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Would it be worth it?

The long-discussed hypothetical of Lionel Messi finishing his professional career in Major League Soccer is seemingly becoming much less hypothetical by the day, and real reports have come through in recent months linking the legend to Inter Miami when his current contract with Paris Saint-Germain ends in the summer.

But the reports also bring about the same question. How in the world can Miami, or any MLS club, afford what the 2022 World Cup Champion would demand in salary? Messi currently makes well over MLS’ financial restriction cap, and it would be silly to think he would take a massive enough pay cut to get underneath that ceiling.

So, how in the world does Don Garber and Co. make this happen?

Well, we have our first potential answer to that question, as a recent report from Spanish outlet Sport, via the UK’s Daily Mail, has mentioned the likelihood of EVERY club in the league pitching in to finance Messi’s move.

Furthermore, if every team is involved, the Argentine star could reportedly choose with team he will pay for. Of course, this presents the possible scenario of Minnesota paying to play against the arguable GOAT twice per season if he goes to a Western Conference team.

Of course, the trade off here is that Messi’s presence in American soccer would help exponentially raise the league and sport’s profile as the 2026 World Cup draws closer, which would obviously be a net positive for every club.

But it does beg the question. As the fan of a team likely not to land the 35-year old in a move to the States, would you be okay with Minnesota pitching in to help bring him here?

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The Loons Daily newsletter is written by Jeremy Rushing and presented by Sota Soccer, your home for soccer coverage in the North! If you could, please consider supporting our work at Patreon.com/sotasoccer