Messi's Inter Miami contract may have ramifications for MLB star's $500m deal
An MLB legend has detailed how Lionel Messi's ground-breaking contract with Inter Miami could provide a blueprint for Shohei Ohtani in the coming months.
There is a great deal of noise surrounding the Los Angeles Angels two-way star's future, with speculation that he could depart the team this winter having ramped up in recent months. The 29-year-old will likely not be short on prospective suitors with teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees potential lining up for his signature as a free-agent.
The fact that Ohtani is heading towards free-agency will put all 30 MLB clubs on high alert, such is the extent of his reputation, coming off several strong seasons in California. The imperious slugger followed up an MVP season in 2021 with another impressive showing the year after and has continued his form during the current campaign.
At the All-Star break, his staggering offensive metrics mean he lead the the majors with a very healthy six triples and some 32 home runs, while also leading the slugging percentage, OPS, OPS+ and total bases. On top of this, Ohtani has 3.32 ERA over 17 starts and leads all of baseball with six hits per nine innings.
In short, his qualities mean he is bound for what could be a historic contract this winter, with the clamour to land the Japanese superstar's signature will likely reach fever pitch as we head into winter. Former MLB star Trevor Plouffe addressed the prospect of the sensational pitcher using Lionel Messi's deal with Inter Miami as inspiration as he may well land himself the most lucrative contract in the history of the sport later this year.
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Speaking on Talkin' Baseball, the former third baseman offered some intriguing insight into how potential suitors could well gain an advantage in the race to land Ohtani. He predicted that the lucractive commercial tie-ins that were offered to the Argentine icon ahead of his move to MLS could well be an approach that is adopted by MLS clubs in this case.
He said: "He's [Ohtani] going to look at what [Lionel] Messi just did with the MLS and all of his little contractual caveats. And I think it's going to take that. I think it's going to take something like that to differentiate yourself from the pack if you're going after Ohtani.”
Lionel Messi with the World Cup trophy (Getty Images)The legendary winger surprised the sporting world by turning down the advances of former club Barcelona as well as the riches of the Saudi Pro League to move to Florida this summer. As part of his base salary which comes in as upwards of $50 million (£38 million), the 36-year-old will also be remunerated by commercial tie-ins with major brands.
With MLS having signed a deal with Apple for the next ten years for the company to show matches in the league via their Apple TV+ streaming service in the form of the MLS Season Pass, the former PSG star is expected to receive a cut of the revenue accrued from sales following his arrival stateside. On top of this, Messi's longstanding partnership with sportswear giants Adidas came in handy, with a cut of MLS merchandise profits now also set to be included in the contract.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has predicted that the landmark transfer could well prove to be a catalyst for the league's exponential growth and he also expects the iconic star to make a significant impact in the US. He told El Pais : "I envision a life after soccer for Messi very similar to David or Michael Jordan’s lives. He will be able to work in a market that keeps on growing."
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