Following Straight Rejection of $440 Million, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Arrival Boasts 27% Soccer Fans Meteoric Rise in USA

Just days ago, Lionel Messi shook the soccer fanbase after he accepted the proposal from Inter Miami. The Argentine soccer legend rejected a gigantic $440 million move to Saudi Arabia and went to the US instead. But his major financial sacrifice will help soccer exponentially grow in the US. As of today, only a certain number of states in America have an active soccer fanbase.

But the World Cup winner can overturn the dead fortunes of the sport in the USA. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this will act as the much-needed boost that the sport needs.

Messi’s potential impact on soccer in America quantified

One of the greatest ever soccer players will soon be joining Major League Soccer. Halfway through the season, David Beckham‘s franchise is in dire need of him. Currently struggling at the bottom of the table, Inter Miami has been precarious this season. Although Beckham’s team will reap the benefits of Messi’s arrival, even the soccer league will benefit in the long term.

As per a recent study by the University of Michigan, one can now consider soccer an established sport in the US. According to a survey, 27% of Americans called themselves soccer fans in the last year. The 18-29 years age group has witnessed a meteoric rise in the soccer fanbase to 39%. Without a doubt, people in the USA follow the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup very close.

In fact, Liga MX is quite popular in the Hispanic community along with the English Premier League. The local soccer league, i.e., MLS, has an appeal but only in some cities. Major League Soccer fails to attract major television viewership numbers. But all of this will now change soon. Because Messi will soon arrive in the US just like the mighty Pele and Beckham once did.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi and Wife Antonela Roccuzzo Looking To Spend 5-Figures on Kids’ School Where Shakira’s Children Are Enrolled Too After Inter Miami Decision

He will relocate to America on the back of rejecting a gigantic offer from the Saudi Pro League.

Lionel Messi rejected a $440 million deal to make his move to America happen!

Back in April, Al-Hilal from the Saudi Pro League made an offer for the Argentine soccer legend. After declaring his exit from Paris Saint-Germain, the World Cup winner had to choose. He had a $440 million offer from Saudi Arabia. Beckham had expressed interest in signing him, or he could have waited for FC Barcelona to sort out their FFP hassle.

Reportedly, the Argentine was ready to take a major pay cut and rejoin the La Liga giants. But that just didn’t pan out in the right way. While Messi’s intention was against moving out of Europe, he seems to have weighed the long-term benefits of moving to the US. While earning a healthy wage at Inter Miami, he will also make money through commission from Apple TV (MLS’ season pass) and Adidas sales.

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What do you think about the potential impact that Lionel Messi can have in America? Let us know in the comments below.