Recently in the MLS, a new signing has shaken the league. Inter Miami recently signed Lionel Messi to a two and a half year season deal, with an annual salary of around 50 to 60 million dollars. The recent world cup winner is bound to change the league for the foreseeable future.
Before Miami made the signing, Messi was playing in Paris for PSG (Paris Saint-Germain). During his stint in Paris, Messi was becoming unhappy with the club and its supporters. Per Mirror, “These were two years [PSG] in which I was not happy. I did not enjoy myself, and that affected my family life, I missed a lot of my children’s lives at school.” When an athlete does not like where they are playing, they feel less motivated to perform to their best ability. This was just the case for Messi, as you could visibly see his reluctance to play.
Looking back into his career, Messi spent much of his time playing for F.C. Barcelona in Spain. For 17 seasons, Messi put Barcelona on his back. He was indispensable to the team and at one time indisputably the best player in the world. During his time with Barcelona, Messi won a club record of 34 trophies. These included four Champions Leagues, ten La Liga titles, and seven Copa del Rey titles. While at Barcelona, Messi recorded 672 goals, including his illusive 91 goal season.
On the national level, Messi recently won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. After coming close in 2014, losing to Germany in the finals, Messi came back for vengeance. Back in 2021, Messi won the Copa America. After this win, Messi told ESPN that he has, “Peace of mind.” Messi has also won a gold medal while playing for Argentina during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
So far in the MLS, Messi has made an enormous impact in Miami. According to NBC Sports, Messi has scored eleven goals in his first ten appearances and assisted on three. These contributions have made a significant impact on the team’s success. Back in August, Messi and Inter Miami defeated Nashville F.C. to win the first trophy in the club’s history.
Even off the pitch, Messi has been breaking records. According to CNBC, “Messi joined Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF in late July, triggering a rise in ticket prices and the markets the team has so far visited. His signing led to record-breaking jersey and merchandise sales. TV and streaming viewership surged.”
