How Apple And Adidas Got Lionel Messi To Pick Inter Miami Over FC Barcelona

David Beckham's Inter Miami are set to sign the most coveted free agent from this summer window, Lionel Messi. The MLS franchise was in race with Messi's childhood club FC Barcelona and Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal, who were offering a massive deal and were also the frontrunners for his signature. However, Messi got attracted to Miami. Why? It appears Messi has received a unique offer that was not in the books of FC Barcelona or even Al-Hilal.

As per a report from the Athletic, Apple and Adidas have been involved in the deal to bring the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner to the USA. The forward has been offered a share of revenues generated through his participation in the MLS.

Apple has offered the player a share of their revenue generated by the new subscribers of MLS Season Pass following his signing. Adidas have offered him a cut of any increase in their profits which can come from his involvement in the stateside.

 Included in Lionel Messi's deal with Inter Miami:

 Percentage on subscriptions to the MLS Season Pass from APPLE TV, paid directly by APPLE
 Percentage of Inter Miami shirt sales, paid directly by Adidas
 Possibility of acquiring an MLS franchise at the end of his… pic.twitter.com/liWC0wgDt8 — Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 7, 2023

Football Club Barcelona tried their best to bring World Cup winner Lionel Messi back to Barcelona but couldn't crack the right deal while negotiating.

Barcelona gave a heartfelt message to Lionel Messi as they wished him the best of luck for his future endeavours. On Thursday, Football Club Barcelona released an official statement on social media and on their website which said, "On Monday, June 5, Jorge Messi, the player's father, and representative, informed Club President Joan Laporta of the player's decision to join Inter Miami, despite having been presented with a proposal from Barca, in consideration of the desire of both FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi for him to once again wear Blaugrana."

It further stated, "President Laporta understood and respected Messi's decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years." (Lionel Messi Move To David Beckham-Owned Inter Miami Stuns Football World After Exit From Paris Saint-Germain)

While concluding it stated, "Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barca fans to honor a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barca", as per the official website of Barcelona.

In 2021, Lionel Messi left Barcelona after the club failed to meet his wages. He then joined Paris Saint Germain. After Barcelona's exit, he agreed to a two-year deal worth a 104 million dollar contract.

At Paris Saint Germain, he played for two seasons and managed to win the Ligue 1 title twice. The seven-time ballon d'Or will now join Inter Miami which former England football legend David Beckham owns.

Inter Miami, is an American professional soccer club based in Fort Lauderdale. Established in 2018, the club began to play in Major League Soccer in the 2020 season. (With ANI inputs)