Well-known soccer superstar Lionel Messi turned down more than a billion dollars from the Saudis because of his family.
It was reported that last week, Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal offered Messi $1.2 billion for two years, the biggest contract in history.
According to the French newspaper Le Equipe, Messi and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo rejected the offer because they couldn't imagine raising their children in the Gulf.
🚨 Barring a huge turnaround, Leo Messi will NOT sign for Saudi Arabia. He will REJECT their €1 billion offer. ❌🇸🇦
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 7, 2023
He and his wife can't imagine moving there with their children.
➡ Inter Miami are now the frontrunners for his signature! 🇺🇸
One possibility is being loaned... pic.twitter.com/Ecq8pdydPY
His wife, Roccuzzo pushed for the move to Miami, according to Tweet by @BarcaUniversal.
❗️Leo Messi's wife Antonella Roccuzzo wants to go to USA, while Jorge Messi and Leo want to go to Saudi Arabia.
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 6, 2023
— @JoanFontes pic.twitter.com/hAKeTvjIRg
Messi decided to sign with Inter-Miama and play for them next season.
Was his decision based on Roccuzzo's wants?
Front Office Sports officially announced his signing on Twitter.
BREAKING: Lionel Messi is coming to MLS.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 7, 2023
Messi has decided to sign with Inter Miami, per @GuillemBalague, where he's set to join the team this summer. pic.twitter.com/AdgSJTnGxj
But the soccer legend will still make money, despite his turned down on the billion dollar offer.
Apple has reportedly offered to share a portion of MLS Season Pass revenue with him if he joined the MLS.
Multiple sources said earlier this week that MLS and Apple have discussed offering Messi a share of the revenue generated by new subscribers to MLS Season Pass.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 7, 2023
"The league has gotten very creative with all of this."
More details⤵️https://t.co/0ExqcR8Tfn pic.twitter.com/E7TUEa6JKd
Miami soccer fans need to thank Messi's wife, she was the one that initiated the move.
Welcome to Miami!
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