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Lionel Messi makes MLS debut for Inter Miami

Nick Profile Picby:Nick Geddes•07/21/23•

NickGeddesNews

Lionel Messi
Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

Lionel Messi officially made his long-anticipated Inter Miami and MLS debut Friday during his team’s Leagues Cup Group Stage match against Cruz Azul.

Messi, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner coming off a World Cup victory in 2022 with his native Argentina, came onto the pitch in the 54th minute with Inter Miami clinging to a 1-0 lead after starting the game on the bench.

Newly-appointed manager Tata Martino said prior to the match that Messi, along with fellow signee and former FC Barcelona star Sergio Busquets, were fit enough to take the pitch.

“From what I have seen up to now they are going fit to play and it is likely that on Friday they can be there,” Martino told ESPN Fútbol 12. “Whether that will be as starters or coming in at the half, we will have to make that decision yet, but as I see it, Leo as well as Busi can play [Friday].”

The debut of Messi drew a sold-out crowd at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, including a host of celebrities and athletes. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James notably made the trip, sharing a hug with Messi prior to kickoff.

Lionel Messi set to make more per year in MLS than any NFL player

According to a report from Alex Silverman of Sports Business Journal, Messi received a compensation package from Inter Miami worth $50-60 million per year. The package includes signing bonus, salary, and equity in the club.

Based on the reported figure, Messi will earn more annually than any player in any of the main professional sports leagues in the U.S. A hefty salary, yes, for perhaps the greatest soccer player of all-time, but still well short of what he could have earned if he would have signed on to play in Saudi Arabia. Per 90 Min, Messi could’ve brought in a salary worth $440m (£344m) had he decided to join 18-time Saudi Pro League winners Al-Hilal this summer.

Along with Al-Hilal, Messi notably turned down a return to Barcelona, the club which he led to four UEFA Champions League and 10 La Liga titles.

“I have made the decision that I am going to Miami. I still don’t have it agreed upon 100 percent and a few things are needed, but, well, we decided to continue my path there,” Messi said. “After winning the World Cup and not being able to return to Barcelona, it was my turn to go to the league of the United States to live football in another way and to enjoy the day-to-day more. Obviously, with the same responsibility and desire to play well and do things well as always. But in a calmer way.”