The development comes amidst rumours of a possible transfer to Saudi club, Al Hilal
If there is an Argentinian who can be pronounced as the worthy successor to Diego Maradona, then it would be Lionel Messi without an iota of doubt. The left-footed magician has continuously redefined brilliance at Barcelona, and on the international footballing stage by captaining Argentina to a Copa America title and the World Cup.
Recently, it was speculated that the ex-Barcelona legend would return to his boyhood club for a final stint before retirement. However, recent reports have laid to rest this rumour by revealing that the little magician will be joining the Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami, this summer transfer window. The French League 1 champions, PSG, will let go of their talisman after acquiring him from Barcelona in 2021.
According to a BBC report, Messi received lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League Club Al Hilal and a chance to lock horns with Real Madrid legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema but instead chose to reject them in favour of playing in the MLS.
What could have proved to be a big payday for Saudi Arabian football club owners has now turned into a lucrative deal for Apple. Messi’s much-anticipated move could see a surge in Apple TV subscribers as the tech giant holds the rights to stream MLS games for the next decade. MLS Season Pass, available on Apple TV Plus, has suddenly become appealing to many football fans who would otherwise only watch the big European leagues.
Apple has also announced that it would be producing a four-part docuseries on Messi, with the footballer reportedly poised to receive a slice of the Apple/MLS revenue pie.
The 35-year-old footballing genius spent 17 illustrious seasons at Barcelona, helping the club win a whopping 35 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, 4 champions leagues, and 7 Copa Del Reys. Furthermore, Messi won 6 Ballon d’Or awards during his time with the Catalans, thereby cementing his place as the world’s best footballer.
In a goal-scoring record that could only be termed as insane, the southpaw has found the back of the net 672 times in 778 appearances at Barcelona, also becoming the all-time top-scorer of the Spanish League by netting 474 goals in 520 matches.
The recent development is a great boost for American Soccer, which had previously managed to rope in superstars like the great Pele, Thierry Henry, and David Beckham.
