Inter Miami's Sizzling Summer Schedule: Messi's Commitment and Contract Details | The Heron Outlet
Here's everything you need to know about Messi's contract with Inter Miami, when he'll debut and more.
photo credit: Francois Nel/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Miami, FL - After years of negotiations with Lionel Messi and his camp, spearheaded by Managing Owner Jorge Mas, the four-year process for Inter Miami finally ended on June 7th, 2023, when the Argentine revealed his intentions to play for Miami in MLS.
Messi is set to become a Designated Player for the Herons, allowing the club to pay him any amount they desire. While the exact terms of the contract remain unclear, The Heron Outlet learned more details on the parameters of his deal.
Messi’s Contract Details
photo courtesy: Paris Saint Germain
Monday morning, The Heron Outlet reported new contract details of Messi’s deal.
The 35-year-old will be signing a two-and-a-half-year deal with a club option for 2026.
Messi’s contract value is estimated between $50 - 60 million per year, easily surpassing Chicago Fire’s Xherdan Shaqiri ($7,350,000.00) as the highest-paid player currently in MLS and in league history.
The total compensation of the deal includes a signing bonus, salary, and an ownership stake in the club once he hangs up his boots.
Messi is expected to make his debut for Inter Miami in the newly created Leagues Cup, where the Herons will host Liga MX side Cruz Azul on July 21 from DRV PNK Stadium.
The Heron Outlet can also confirm that MLS will not be subsidizing the deal.
Additionally, Messi’s reported share in AppleTV subscriptions, Adidas gear, and potentially merchandise manufacturer Fanatics is not a part of his deal directly with the club. Those terms will be agreed to independently of his player contract.
With three designated players currently signed, Inter Miami will need to either buy down Gregore or Leo Campana or move on from Rodolfo Pizarro to make open room for his contract status.
Inter Miami do not expect that to be the only Designated Player addition this summer, with the club insisting they have the flexibility to have all three DP slots available.
The Heron Outlet will have more information for subscribers in the coming days and weeks about Inter Miami’s Summer Schedule and planning for Messi’s arrival.