Inter Miami could lose up to 300 million euros if Lionel Messi decides to leave the club: Reports

Inter Miami could face a huge financial blow if Lionel Messi decides to part ways with the club at the end of this season, reports BOLA VIP. The Argentine maestro's contract with the Herons expires at the end of this year and he is yet to agree to a new deal.

Recent reports have suggested that La Pulga is considering an exit following the disappointing defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the FIFA Club World Cup. The player's camp is worried about the low level of football in the MLS, and believe it could impact the 38-year-old's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It has been suggested that Lionel Messi could move to a more competitive league at the end of this year to stay in top shape ahead of next summer's mega event. A six-month loan deal from January is also being considered, which could have financial repercussions on the MLS.

The Argentine's arrival has turned Inter Miami's fortunes around, helping them lift the only two trophies in their history. However, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's departure could see the Herons lose around €300m in revenue.

La Pulga has been equally effective off the pitch for the Florida-based club so far. The Herons have raised €265m in ticket sales since Lionel Messi's arrival, while he has also helped generate €29.7m in subscriptions for Apple TV to watch the MLS. His departure, as such, could be a huge blow for Inter Miami on and off the pitch.

How many goals has Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami to date?

Lionel Messi is Inter Miami's record goalscorer with 50 goals from 63 games across competitions to date. The diminutive Argentine has also registered 24 assists for the Herons, the most for the club to date.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner arrived at the Chase Stadium in the summer of 2023 as a free agent following the expiry of his contract with PSG. Messi helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup in his debut campaign, which was the first ever trophy in the club's history.

The Argentine powered his team to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference table last season, and lifted the Supporters' Shield. However, the Florida-based club subsequently failed to win the MLS Cup. Messi has been in fine form for the Herons this season as well, registering 16 goals and six assists from 24 games so far.

About the author

Deepungsu is a veteran football journalist who has been covering daily transfer roundups and news for over six years at Sportskeeda. He has written more than 9000 articles for the website, and has garnered over 20 million reads.

Deepungsu holds a PG degree in Microbiology and an MBA degree in Total Quality Management. He has an extensive two-decade long writing experience, which includes a decade of sports blogging. His writing prowess has even led his work getting cited on the legendary Franz Beckenbauer's Wikipedia page.

Inspired by Diego Maradona, Deepungsu played as an attacking midfielder for his local club at subdivision level in his initial years and scored an important goal or two. However, his all-time favorite footballer is Lionel Messi, and evidently, he feels Argentina's glory in 2022 is his favorite FIFA World Cup moment for fulfilling his long-standing dream. He is also an ardent East Bengal fan.

Deepungsu has been a Manchester United supporter since the year 2000. Unsurprisingly, his favorite manager is Sir Alex Ferguson and the Scotsman helped him get through some of the toughest days of his life. Like the fiery Scot, Deepungsu also leaves no stone unturned when it comes to accuracy in articles and only relies on credible sources.

Despite believing in Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland to create an iconic rivalry, Deepungsu reckons no one can match the longevity of Messi and Ronaldo. He spends his leisure time writing about life on his blog, reading books, and playing the guitar.

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Edited by Deepungsu Pandit