Per Times Sport. Even though he's getting up there in age. Still a huge boost for the MLS.
Quote:
@BleacherReport: Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are nearing a deal to make him the highest-paid player in MLS history, per @TimesSport https://t.co/Ou5BxoyWN4
I guess he’ll be allowed to bring some friends. Reuniting with Suarez makes a lot of sense. Busquets is out the door at Barca and likely on his way to the US.
especially with the downgrade in competition level. I thought it would be another maybe 2 years before he showed up at MLS. This would def increase the chance that Ronaldo comes to MLS. I joked on another thread, but Apple is prolly pushing so hard for this stuff to happen, would be huge for them right after getting MLS rights.
especially with the downgrade in competition level. I thought it would be another maybe 2 years before he showed up at MLS. This would def increase the chance that Ronaldo comes to MLS. I joked on another thread, but Apple is prolly pushing so hard for this stuff to happen, would be huge for them right after getting MLS rights.
I can buy the Apple angle for a push on any team except Miami. Bezos is close with the Mas brothers who own the team.
Apple locked in a 10 year exclusive deal and landing the worlds most famous player anywhere in the MLS is a big push. Miami makes a ton of sense for Messi to want to live, and it’ll be a boom for that team if it happens.
Apple locked in a 10 year exclusive deal and landing the worlds most famous player anywhere in the MLS is a big push. Miami makes a ton of sense for Messi to want to live, and it’ll be a boom for that team if it happens.
It may not, but I don’t think Apple is the big push on this particular one. Messi has property in Miami already and this isn’t the first time it’s been rumored.
Messi would be playing for Miami, but their opponents will all see increased ticket sales. Apple will be able to feature Miami games. Apple will be able to easily market around Messi. This isn’t specific to Miami.
MLS is somewhat past that, though. You're taking about players like Gareth Bale and now Messi. MLS has a robust developmental system now and doesn't need older European players who aren't still special in their way. Did you see Messi's goal against Mexico yesterday in the World Cup? He's still the best player on the Argentina national team. And he's an amazing free-kick taker, which is not a skill likely to go away based solely on age.
So, yeah, in a sense he is going to MLS to 'retire' (assuming the deal goes down, which doesn't appear definite yet). But I don't think that's a bad thing. I would watch his games if I chose to have Apple TV.
but lets not act like he is washed up. I would guess lots of teams all over the world in high end leagues would love to get him still. Im sure this is that he wants to live in Miami and wants to transition out of the insane grind and demand of the top leagues.
Whether they are washed up or not the MLS attracting these popular players is great for the league. Anything that gets people more interested. Messi and Ronaldo are easily the most known soccer players to americans (neymar prolly up there) so to have one playing in america is great. MLS has really come a long way, is it anywhere near the top leagues, of course not, but its improving.
Only with a much nicer penthouse overlooking the ocean. Can’t blame Lionel for that.
I guess he’ll be allowed to bring some friends. Reuniting with Suarez makes a lot of sense. Busquets is out the door at Barca and likely on his way to the US.
I can buy the Apple angle for a push on any team except Miami. Bezos is close with the Mas brothers who own the team.
It may not, but I don’t think Apple is the big push on this particular one. Messi has property in Miami already and this isn’t the first time it’s been rumored.
And David Beckham to LA, or whatever team it was.
So, yeah, in a sense he is going to MLS to 'retire' (assuming the deal goes down, which doesn't appear definite yet). But I don't think that's a bad thing. I would watch his games if I chose to have Apple TV.
Whether they are washed up or not the MLS attracting these popular players is great for the league. Anything that gets people more interested. Messi and Ronaldo are easily the most known soccer players to americans (neymar prolly up there) so to have one playing in america is great. MLS has really come a long way, is it anywhere near the top leagues, of course not, but its improving.