Inter Miami is already trying recoup some of the money they’re spending on Messi this season.
According to a report from front office sports, the team will reportedly shell out over $50 million a year paying the soccer superstar this season.
Via Sportico
Messi’s Miami deal is worth between $50 million and $60 million per year from his salary, signing bonus and equity in the team. It is on par with what the top earners in the NBA and NFL make in salary. Two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic’s current deal is worth $55 million a year on average, while 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson is at $52 million.
Yet, the structure is unique with the team equity component, a compensation lever not available to players in other leagues. Messi is expected to exercise his ownership stake in the franchise after he is done playing with Inter Miami.
Over the weekend, Inter Miami officially announced they had signed Messi.
BIENVENIDO 1️⃣0️⃣ pic.twitter.com/df1TJQQoYv
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 15, 2023
On Sunday, Inter Miami introduced Messi to local fans and began selling his jersey which will cost $200.
Price of an Inter Miami Leo Messi Jersey, $200. #Messi𓃵 #MLS #InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/oCjVLbdvbZ
— Josh Moser (@TheMozKnowz) July 16, 2023
The club was also seen selling $14.75 hot dogs during Messi’s intro to the fans.
We are still officially in a delay for Leo Messi’s introduction at @DRVPNKStadium. No better time to buy a hot dog for $14.75! #Messi𓃵 #InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/AERidUJyB2
— Josh Moser (@TheMozKnowz) July 16, 2023