As Lionel Messi’s Influence Earns Inter Miami $200,000,000, Billionaire LeBron James Misses the Chance to Touch NBA Rival Michael Jordan’s Earnings

Things have been hunky-dory for the MLS ever since Lionel Messi arrived on the scene. From making a game-winning goal in his debut to lifting the League’s Cup, the football phenom has lifted the Inter Miami Franchise. The team is set to make record profits and the ticket prices and sales have both gone up. This has benefitted the league as a whole and with a 10-year $2.5 billion deal with the Apple TV, they are set for prominence. 

In this wake, LeBron James missed out on an opportunity to further add to his billion dollars.

LeBron James got snubbed

When he had become an NBA champion with the Miami Heat, LBJ wanted to bring an MLS franchise to the city. In fact, he was in talks with the current Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. 

The Los Angeles Lakers Forward had revealed, “There’s some interest on both sides. David has become a good friend of mine over the last few years. I think it would be great for this city to have a football club for sure. There’s interest on both sides, but it’s preliminary talks.”

But in the 2013-14 window, things didn’t pan out because Miami didn’t have a football stadium. James left in 2014, and from there, no development took place on his side. 

However, David Beckham kept on pressing the ownership bid and it took him until 2019 to get approval. After 3 seasons that didn’t bring much attention to the Franchise, he brought in Lionel Messi, who has elevated the club to unprecedented heights.

When he gave the Inter Miami jersey to Messi on his come-up to the USA scene, Beckham turned it into a “big moment for us as the ownership“.

After their recent triumphs, as per Yahoo Sports, their valuation has gone up to $200 million in revenue for the next year. Chief Business Officer Xavier Asensi revealed that they are going to make three times more than projected due to Messi’s entry.

James could have gotten a great share of this had he been an owner. This would have gotten him closer to Michael Jordan’s net worth, who keeps expanding his wealth.

LeBron James and Michael Jordan in the billionaire race

MJ and LBJ are the only two NBA billionaires. It took MJ till 2016, 13 years after his retirement to become one. But James became the first active player to do so. However, MJ’s recent sale of Hornets has increased his worth to $3.5 billion. His selling $3 billion stakes is going to bring further value. James is hurling towards the $2 billion at a great pace.

But it may take him after retirement to get even with the Bulls legend.

READ MORE: Days After Shaquille O’Neal’s Interest in Buying Florida Based NBA Team, Oldest Active Player Openly Expresses Interest in Miami Heat Ownership

However, with the way he does things, who knows it is quicker. Both phenoms are crafty and will always seek ripe avenues to generate profits.

What do you think about the billionaire race? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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