Last summer Messi left Paris Saint-Germain to join Inter Miami and instantly transformed the club’s fortunes
by scoring 11 goals and claiming five assists in the final 14 games of that campaign to help them to their first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup.
This term the 36-year-old made a strong start to the new MLS campaign, claiming five goals and two assists in his first five appearances in all competitions, before picking up an injury.
Miami had been trying to lure Messi away from Europe since even before their debut season in 2020,
with club owner Jorge Mas having met with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s agent and father, Jorge Messi, in September 2019.
And it took an enormous wage to sign Messi.
According to Forbes, though the Argentine’s Miami salary is far less than the reported $400 million-a-year (£317million) offer the Argentine turned down from the Saudi Pro League, he is still among the best-paid players in world football.
Mas has claimed Messi will earn between $50million (£39.6million) and $60million (£47.55million) in guaranteed money annually.
He will also have the potential for more through individual “revenue-sharing” deals with Apple and Adidas.
There is also a “David Beckham clause” in his contract that provides the Argentine with the option to take ownership of the club without the need of a buy-in.
When Messi will hang up his boots is unclear. He’s under contract until 2025 at Miami, with the option of a further year.
“I know that the moment I feel that I am no longer able to perform, that I no longer enjoy or help my team-mates, I will quit,” he said in an interview on the Big Time podcast.
“I’m very self-critical. I know when I’m good, when I’m bad, when I’m playing well, and when I’m playing badly.
“When I feel it’s time to take that step, I’ll take it without thinking about age. If I feel good, I’ll always try to keep competing because it’s what I like and what I know how to do.”
Messi added: “I haven’t yet thought of what I’m going to do when I retire. Today, I try to enjoy the day-to-day, the moments, without thinking about life after [football].”
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Source: Tampa Bay Times
