How Inter Miami Signed Lionel Messi

In September 2019, Inter Miami owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham met with Lionel Messi’s father in Barcelona. This was before Messi’s move to PSG. The seed was sewn.

Four years later the relationship between Miami and Messi had flourished. This is the story of massive global commercial deals, future security and how Messi plans to change the MLS for good.

Written by Paul Tenorio, illustrated by Craig Silcock.

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#Messi #MLS #Miami

[anarcho-boulangistllamaent]

I think its worth saying that part of the reason he chose Inter Miami over the Saudi Pro League or other clubs in the MLS was probably also that Miami is a majority-Hispanic city so the fact that so many people speak his language means he can live and play in a more familiar environment.

[mukundaneshepherdcrystal]

What an impact he’s already had! What a player!

[midnightman]

This so called “Messi effect” is palpable here in Miami, and now conmebol (south american confederation) is inviting inter Miami to play in the copa liberadores(South American champions league) just so Messi could finally have a chance to compete in it, something people never imagine it would happen.

[CJ_Yo_]

Feels like the main differences in opportunity for Messi were that the MLS offered a post-retirement plan (Equity stake in the club, closer to Argentina for travel, chance to stay involved in the sport) and the chance to be the face of the league (Ronaldo had already gone to Saudi Arabia).

[yoshikillerr]

Fair play to the MLS, they did an incredible job

[Thesilentecho]

It's crazy on how the match ticket is finished in just 8 minutes. Messi effect is so real

[LaMessi]

Messi is enjoying his life there.
Completed football
Using haters tears to wash his trophies.

[lwandomadikizela]

It was 3 years in the making. Miami not only needed a team, they needed a player that can attract more fans to the sport and Messi is the best candidate for that position. Messi was more sold to the project in Miami than Saudi Arabia despite the lure of earning more than Ronaldo. Inter Miami were regarded as the worst team in MLS despite having players like Higuain, Matuidi and Josef Martinez before Messi arrived and they fortunes changed.

[gbalph]

FC Dallas couldn’t fill their stadium during Leagues Cup but once they played Inter Miami it sold out quickly. This is going to be a great decade for American soccer.

[sadmanadib]

Philadelphia lost 2 out of their last 30 home games, with Miami being the second team. It's kinda insane.

[JannyLW]

Not the first time an Argentine and a Cuban joined forces to start a revolution 😂

[Jsrysmoya]

Gracias por el comentario en Español, tenía ganas de disfrutar de estos grandiosos videos sobre Fútbol sin tener que leer los subtítulos. Gran video y resumen del fichaje, Tifo Football, seguís siendo unos máquinas.

[GiuseppeVerdelli-uifk]

Che giocatore UNICO, Messi è l'unico che sposta l'asticella in un modo impressionante.
Vamosss Miamiii 🔥 Vamossss MESSI 🐐👽🇦🇷🔥

[andreixperience]

They talk about how there would be an MLS before an after Messi, but it's the same with world football.

[farhananjumbadhon]

MLS pulled of a CLUTCH! INCREDIBLE TO SEE MESSI PLAYING for MIAMI!!! ❤❤❤

[davidbowie]

To be frank, there is another reason I think maybe surprising but necessary to pay attention: Messi joining MLS will trigger a deal that would merge both CONMEBOL and CONCACAF to one.

South America is extremely successful in football but recently being dried out of opportunities due to lack of members and Europe's unwillingness to let the South Americans in. While Argentina recently restored some prides to South America, the reality is South American football is in freefall and Argentina is just trying to prevent that. The formation of UEFA Nations League also did little to South America either as no one in Europe will accept CONMEBOL nations playing in their Nations League or Euro Cup.

North America is only becoming more interested in football recently, historically CONCACAF is weak with only Mexico, the US or recently Costa Rica and Canada making impacts. Yet they have the wealth and finance. Moreover, North America also has plenty of Hispanic nations, and even the US is home to more than 100 million people of Hispanic or distant Hispanic ancestries. North America is also more desperate for unification with South America to form a mega-football confederation.

Messi arriving here seems to play this role - by attracting South American watchers, the North Americans hope to foster a sense of connection between two halves of the Americas and eventually lead to unification.

[JMartComedy]

I go to a handful of MLS games a year for my local club. Supporter Section tickets are usually 16$-18$. For the match against Inter Miami next month those same tickets are 300$. All other seats are about 400$ and up. The prices are a clear indicator of his impact....especially since these stadiums are selling out.

EDIT: What I don't understand is why the league isn't using NFL stadiums if possible. Even Camping World Stadium holds 60, 000

[TachyonKing]

Its the right move imo. Messi playing in the US is a huge ambassador role for the MLS- I see kids wearing the Inter Miami kit and the US is an ideal bridge between the English/Spanish footballing world.

[DimmyV]

Mind blown. This side of football is really fascinating. The business stuff is good to hear.

[shifty]

Absolutely loving the 1080p in 60 frames per second