David Beckham’s Inter Miami Co-owner Reveals the ‘Extremely Compelling Reason’ Why Lionel Messi Rejected $1 Billion Saudi Offer

Economies often rule soccer transfers. And the latest Saudi Arabian transfer episodes showcase this fact. However, on a few occasions, apart from the money, other things also come into play when a soccer star decides to switch. Lionel Messi did the same by weighing the money and other aspects before joining Inter Miami.

In the process, the Argentine snubbed a jaw-dropping billion-dollar offer from a Saudi club. Yes, Messi can potentially make up for the money he snubbed in the future, but spurning massive outright money raised curiosity amongst fans. But hold on! Inter Miami’s co-owner has answered this question.

Lionel Messi wanted to be the ‘change’

Billion-dollar-worth Jorge Mas spoke to Taylor Twellman on Offside Podcast. Mas, who co-owns The Herons, attended the podcast hours after dinner with Beckham, Messi, and Busquets’ families. Like fans, Twellman was curious why Messi snubbed the massive Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal’s offer. Mas detailed the thought process behind the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s decision.

“I had to try to find what makes Lionel Messi tick, what can we offer that someone else can’t,” Mas started over Inter Miami’s chances against Barcelona and Al Hilal. “I think, looking back now, and actually in conversations with him more recently when this is all done and in a relaxed environment, I asked, ‘When does an athlete in any sport really have the opportunity to change the sport?'” Mas added.

READ MORE: “MLS Is a Strategic Option” – Despite Alleged Feud With Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique Highly Regards His Inter Miami Move

Jorge Mas revealed what he said further, “‘ And in this country, Lionel Messi has the opportunity to change the sport. If you had stayed at PSG, you would not have changed the sport. If you returned to Barcelona and going to Saudi wasn’t going to change the sport, there.'”  To be that change was an ‘extremely compelling reason’ according to Jorge Mas. However, Messi’s move can be the precursor to some rule changes.

Messi’s move prompts authorities to change rules allowing flexibility

MLS Board of Governors meeting concluded in Washington DC, last week. As per The Athletic, the important point of discussion was the roster rules and allowing flexibility, especially after Inter Miami signed Lionel Messi. However, they won’t necessarily be changing the spending rules.

MLS could allow the club owners some flexibility. And some MLS executives feel it’s the right thing to do to create a competitive league. Some executives think it is the right time to build competitive teams and land competitive players around Messi. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see how MLS evolves itself to take advantage of the blockbuster Messi signing. 

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Where do you see MLS by 2026? Will the league take advantage and build upon Messi’s arrival?