Lionel Messi turned down the richest contract in sports history to come to Miami, and as his seismic decision rippled across MLS and American soccer, the reasons for it began to sink in.
, the primary viewing platform for fans in the U.S. and abroad. If Messi receives a cut of that revenue, his full compensation package would be even more lucrative.
Of course, it is still not Saudi money. It's probably not even close. But the U.S. offered two other perks that likely appealed to Messi: long-term economic potential and a relatively calm, cozy, luxurious lifestyle that he can't find anywhere else. MLS cannot match Saudi money, of course; no capitalistic enterprise will on its own. But a move to America offers Messi the chance to, one he can convert into earning potential for decades to come. Countless brands would love to partner with him. The influence and relationships he'll establish in the U.S. will be lasting. He is leaving hundreds of millions of dollars on the tableBut none of that is Messi's stated reason for coming to Miami anyway.
And familiar. Familiar because Messi has frequently vacationed in South Florida. He has owned condos in grandiose beachside buildings. He will likely savor the relative anonymity of his new life."If it had been a question of money, I would have gone to Arabia or elsewhere," he added, in response to a question about Barcelona."It seemed like a lot of money to me." But"the truth," he said,"is that my decision was ... not for money.
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