How Lionel Messi’s MLS home would mean his future

Lionel Messi is linked to Major League Soccer MLS as his next home. Here is what a move to America's top soccer league could mean.

What Happened: Over the last 19 seasons, Messi has played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain PSG. With his contract with PSG set to expire in June 2023, soccer experts have pointed out where the new home could be for the world superstar.

Messi had previously stated that he would like to play in the MLS in the future. Sources said Messi could be in the vicinity of Inter Miami, an MLS team co-owned by former soccer superstar David Beckham.

Sources told ESPN that the deal hasn't been reached and Messi will wait until after the 2022 World Cup is over to decide his future.

Inter Miami has also been linked to Cristiano Ronaldo, who was recently cut by Manchester United MANU. There were rumors that the two world stars could play together in the future, which has not been made public yet.

Messi has a home in Miami and frequents the location for vacations with his family, according to reports.

The Argentinian forward is currently helping his national team at the 2022 World Cup with two goals in two appearances and a bid to advance to the elimination games after a shocking early defeat to Saudi Arabia.

Prior to the 2022 World Cup, Messi had 12 goals in 19 games for PSG in the season.

MLS Winners: While a move to the MLS could seem unlikely to those who follow soccer, it could perfectly mirror a move made by Beckham in 2007 when he chose the American soccer league over a host of other potential suitors.

If Major League Soccer can land Messi or Ronaldo or both, it could benefit its media partners and team owners, which include many celebrities and NFL team owners.

Apple Inc. AAPL signed a 10-year deal with the MLS earlier this year for media rights set to begin in 2023. The deal gives Apple streaming rights and is estimated to be worth $2.5 billion, a big sports rights bet by Apple, as it grows out of its coverage with AppleTV. The deal said current MLS rights owners ESPN and Fox Sports, units of Walt Disney Co DIS and Fox Corp FOXFOXA, could also gain linear television content.

Apple said that fans can stream every single MLS match via the Apple TV app, without any restrictions or blackouts, in a historic first for sports.

Beckham's appearance in the MLS resulted in a surge in television viewership, live attendance and merchandise sales, benefitting media partners and team owners.

Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment, the owner of Toronto FC, is a company that will benefit from the MLS team.

Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment has 37.5% of the ownership of Rogers Communications Inc RCI and BCE Inc BCE. Rogers previously expressed interest in selling some of its team ownership interests.

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