Messi Comes to KC
Written by: Madison Farrell Graphic from: Sporting KC Website
One of the greatest athletes in the world is coming to Kansas City in 2024 and you will have the opportunity to see him. Lionel Messi, an Argentine soccer player, is the most decorated player in the game. He has 44 collective trophies including a World Cup Trophy from 2022. After his World Cup win he decided to move to a US team to take on a new challenge while being able to put more focus on his family life.
Of course being the best player in the game there were many offers thrown his way, but after turning down a $400 million dollar offer to play in the Saudi Football League, Messi decided to join Inter Miami CF. Inter Miami is a soccer team owned by David Beckham who is another legendary soccer player who decided to move to America to play. Beckham’s similar personal experience was a great way for the two players to connect and work together. The Hispanic culture surrounding Miami was also a huge contributing factor for Messi and his family who primarily speak Spanish. Along with the location and an experienced friend and owner, Messi also received many other incentives to move to the US. While his $150 million soccer contract is only a portion of what the Saudi League was offering, there were many large brand deals eager to partner with the soccer star.
Major League Soccer offered Messi his own MLS expansion team after retirement for just $25 million compared to the normal $582 million price tag. Apple bought the streaming rights to the Inter Miami games and is giving Messi his own cut of the subscription profits. Apple is also filming a four part documentary series based on his transition and accomplishments. Adidas also signed a lifetime contract with Messi reporting that he will get a portion of all jersey sales which is quite substantial considering they are the sole jersey provider for all MLS teams. Messi made $65 million dollars in endorsements alone in 2023 and that number is only going to increase in the years to come.
Inter Miami’s improvements since Messi’s arrival in July were astonishing. The team went from winning just 10 games out of 30 to winning 11 of their last 12, the other being a draw. Messi scored 11 goals in 14 games and brought the team's win rate from 33.3% to 91.6%. The team went on to take home the Leagues Cup trophy, the team’s first championship since joining MLS with Messi taking home the top scorer and best player awards.
Messi’s legendary career and skills brings people from all over the world to watch him play, and this year his schedule brings him right to our backyard to play Sporting Kansas City. After selling out Children’s Mercy Park, SKC’s stadium, in just minutes, the game was moved to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home to the local NFL team the Chiefs. Tickets for this game are going on sale Tuesday, January 16th at 12pm CST and will vary from $50-$480 without fees. If you're interested in watching one of the greatest soccer players of all time, have your card ready because these tickets are going to go fast.
