“Welcome to MLS”: Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo Lead NBA World in Lionel Messi’s Ecstatic Welcome to America After Sensational Inter Miami Decision Snubbing Barcelona

In the last few hours, Lionel Messi has been in the news after signing a deal with Inter Miami. While most of the soccer universe thought that he would wait for FC Barcelona, the Argentine had another trick up his sleeve. In the span of less than a year, the world of soccer has witnessed Messi and Ronaldo leave European soccer.

Interestingly, since reports suggested that Messi to the MLS is a done deal, the NBA universe also has reacted with support. Veterans like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Trae Young, and many more expressed their happiness over the surprise deal.

Lionel Messi receives a warm welcome from the NBA!

The World Cup winner shifting to the MLS could be the happiest thing for any American sports fan. Also, his new team is currently struggling in the league. Inter Miami recently parted ways with Phil Neville after a poor string of results. After 16 games of the season, David Beckham’s team is last in the Eastern Conference with just 15 points.

Without a doubt, Messi’s inclusion will definitely see the team rise on the points table. Over the years, we’ve seen the NBA and soccer universe build a close bond with each other. In fact, the Argentine legend quite likes basketball. Over the years, he has also garnered quite a few popular fans from the NBA as well.

In relation to the FC Barcelona legend’s move to Miami, Giannis Antetokounmpo wrote, “Welcome to the MLS Messi!! See you at Nashville”. Trae Young quoted, “YESSSIR!! Gonna for sureeee watch Messi play now”. Kevin Durant tweeted, “Welcome, Messi. Let’s get it @mls @PhilaUnion”. The NBA veterans made sure to give the soccer veteran quite a warm welcome.

READ MORE: As Lionel Messi Is Pitted Against Michael Jordan, 4x NBA Champion Namedrops Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Tiger Woods and More to Make a Good Point

Although the deal seemed quite unexpected, let’s dive deeper into the available details of the same.

All about Messi’s surprise deal with the MLS

Everyone was aware of the financial struggles of FC Barcelona. Even if they convinced their legend to re-sign, his contract and wages would look like a side hustle compared to Ronaldo’s contract. As per The Athletic, the MLS has reportedly agreed to offer Messi a share of the income generated from every new MLS Season Pass subscriber.

The World Cup winner will also pocket a cut from any profit that Adidas makes due to his involvement in the MLS. Similar to David Beckham, Messi will also have a unique clause in his contract. The clause is that he would be able to purchase a percentage of an MLS team after he ends his playing career. Years ago, Beckham took advantage of the same clause and established the club that Messi is joining today for just $25 million.

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What do you think about Messi joining the MLS? Let us know in the comments below.