While Lionel Messi may have nixed a potential $545 million-a-year deal to the Saudi Pro League, financial stability should be the least of his concern.
That's because the Argentine legend will take home between $54 – $60 million per year at Inter Miami. The deal, which takes him through to June 2025, sees him earning a salary higher than any NFL player. But that's just the start of a substantial financial package promised to Messi.
It's worth noting that Messi already bought an entire floor of a luxury Miami condo for more than $7 million in 2021.
Messi's Inter Miami deal includes lucrative Adidas and Apple tie-ins
At the start of 2023, Lionel Messi's estimated net worth was around $130m. Separate from his two and half year club deal, are commercial tie-ins with Adidas and Apple will further boost the player's bank account.
With Adidas, the 35-year-old stands to gain a percentage from the proceeds garnered from merchandise sales. The German sportswear giant makes kits for all 29 MLS teams, including cleats and balls.
In the case of Apple, the World Cup winner gains to profit from a revenue share from the sales of Apple TV +, which broadcasts MLS games via the Season Pass. An annual season subscription goes for $99 or $14.99/month.
When will Messi play his first game for Inter Miami?
After scoring his fastest-ever career goal for Argentina in a 2-nil friendly over Australia last week, Messi plans to make his first appearance in his new pink Inter Miami kit soon.
But it won't come in the next couple of weeks, as originally planned. Fans eagerly expected Messi to start against FC Austin on July 1 at DRV PNK Stadium, paying up to $1000 a ticket.
It's more likely, however, that the superstar will debut on July 21 in a League match against Cruz Azul after the MLS All-Star game.
And what number will Messi be wearing for the herons? Let's say we think it's his iconic number 10.
Photo: Instagram/leomessi
