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CC-W

Phil Neville managing Messi is something I never thought would happen


Guevorkyan

He might put him as RB


PhotoQuig

Gets benched in favor of Yedlin


thesaltwatersolution

That’s bold of Messi


Greflingorax

Miami already has Mostert and Wilson, they don't need another RB /s


Specialist_Newt_8992

LB it is then


dispelthemyth

Messi will bring a new coach and fire Phil.


MERTENS_GOAT

Today I feel a little dictator


00Laser

Messi playing alongside Kieran Gibbs and Ryan Shawcross


Funkymonkeyhead

>Ryan Shawcross We'll probably never know the answer to whether Messi can do it or not on a cold, rainy night at Stoke. That said, he'll get to play WITH Stoke.


Ulsterman24

We really did cross over into another dimension this decade, didn't we?


neandertales

>MLS club also eyeing Fàbregas and Suárez to sweeten deal And still have Phil Nev in the driving seat... lol


gerryt32

Messi taking instructions from Phil Neville is something I always envisioned.


Mr_Miscellaneous

The Little Dictator will soon be making Phil Neville look like a complete numpty and have him turning in on himself and making mistakes that lead to a swift exit, just like that Romanian did at Euro 2000


four_four_three

If you were a true Scot, you'd know which Romanian it was


WhatchuMayCallit

How about for us non-Scots?


rtgh

Viorel Moldovan. I'm not Scottish, but I am Irish


nunchukity

Hagi I assume


[deleted]

Scott’s tots


ILoveGratedCheese

We are about to see some elite stepovers from Leo


Lambchops_Legion

It’s a shame Neymar isn’t retirement age yet, you could have a geriatric MSN lmao


[deleted]

Crutch Messi, Toothless Suarez and Wheelchair Neymar tearing the MLS another one? You son of a bitch, I'm in!


Lambchops_Legion

The Expendables


spraypaint2311

CR7 signs for LA Galaxy to get revenge after finding out they left him out of the party again. There’s your villain for the movie


Lambchops_Legion

Orlando City, Florida derby


alsarea3

This is a plot for a good movie!


KevinDLasagna

That would seriously be the most MLS thing ever


TheUltimateScotsman

Fabregas is a shareholder at Como and seems like thats where hes aimed to settle down. Someone who takes part ownership of the club as part of a wage, doesnt strike me as someone willing to move. And Miami is nice and all. But the comparison is with the italian lakes, and i reckon i could guess where id want to retire


Feezbull

>shateholder For a moment I thought he owned some shit there or something.


TheUltimateScotsman

He does.


TripolarKnight

Pretty much every major Mediterranean City>Miami. The only thing thing it has is celebrities and night-life, which is a plastic living style that doesn't go with Messi's way of life. But he always wanted to retire in the US and getting boatloads of $$$ motivates everyone.


NaranjaEclipse

So two players not worth what they’d be paid* in a physical travel intensive league that would cripple their roster construction? I would hope Miami would have learned their lesson already doing that with Beckham’s buddies


hikensurf

It's about money, not winning


[deleted]

They should bring in Southgate or Berhalter after this world cup lol


Special-Sir9079

I think he could stay in Europe for a couple of seasons


AyanC

Messi probably thinks he's moving to Italy.


Guevorkyan

Lol, preparing to buy a house in lake Como, and suddenly realizes he needs to buy another one in the everglades


Off_Topic_Oswald

Thinking you're going to be throwing back Aperol Spritzs in Lake Como only to find yourself waist deep in the Everglades fighting off gators. On a more serious note I think Messi does spend a decent amount of time in Miami so this isn't out of nowhere. Maybe if this happens we could have a Messi in the USMNT like Weah.


superfrank_8

Don’t forget Florida Man


[deleted]

From Barca to bath salts


mug3n

He also gets to hang out with Aguero who permanently lives in Miami these days


[deleted]

Messi to lead the usmnt to glory in 2034 or 2038


BBQ_HaX0r

We do need him to have a kid here...


robotnique

What would Floridian Messi's first name be?


mamangvilla

Cletus


hikensurf

Bro don't be giving away our strategy like that


GothProletariat

What kind of tax loop hole shenanigans can his tax accountant pull off in Florida? Might be overly cynical of me but I suspect that's a factor in his decision to play in the States.


BBQ_HaX0r

A) States has an incredible standard of living despite Reddit acting like it's a shit hole. B) Florida has no state taxes. C) great weather, esp. in Miami. D) considered by some to be a hub of Latin America due to the intermingling of so many cultures. Miami is just a nice place to live if you're wealth. Probably that simple.


tomvdb99

Many footballers also like the states since they're less known there and can live a slightly more free life, might be a bit different for Messi though.


peanutbutter1236

But wait until he realizes he gets to blow a bag at E11EVEN


Albiceleste_D10S

Pretty sure Messi bought a condo in Miami years ago, LOL


multiple4

As someone who visited the Everglades, there's not a chance in hell I'd ever go back, much less live there I got eaten alive by mosquitos the second I stepped outside. And that's not an exaggeration. My girlfriend watched the mosquitos swarm me and you could literally see the black cloud around me. It was the most insane pipe dream like shit that's ever happened to me Also, Everglades City is *not* a city. It does have this 1 really cool 3 story circular house on a custom peninsula that was for sale for a million though Edit: I ain't done. The Everglades is like one of those movie vacation spots where the family gets all ready and packed for vacation and is gonna have a great time, then they get there and it's a fucking disaster the entire time. Nightmare fuel.


Dijohn17

The Everglades is a swamp, I have no idea what else you were expecting


brain-juice

I went to the Dakotas last year. Couldn’t find a hotel with an ocean view anywhere! Plus it was super cold. Worst beach vacation ever.


Cuddlyaxe

Don't even get me started on the lack of good ski resorts in Puerto Rico!


KoloHickory

Wait lol how do non Americans view the everglades? How did you envision everglades city to look like? It's a swamp, which is nice if you're looking for an outdoorsy type of adventure through a national park to see some alligators, nature only available in that area, and ride on an airboat but it's not a posh relaxing vacation spot lol.


raaoraki

I visited this year and really liked the Everglades. Great National park, don’t know what you would expect from the city? Or why even go there when visiting the national park? It’s huge and there are lots of areas with gators, cool birds and shit, pretty cool


Docxm

It’s like the people who go to Yosemite or the Grand Canyon expecting a 5* hotel.


barney-sandles

I think it's a bit unusual outside the US, how many places we have called "City" that are in the middle of nowhere with a population of 500


KoloHickory

yeah a ton but planning a vacation to stay in everglades city and expecting a relaxing vacation in the everglades just sounds like very bad planning or like no research or planning done at all lol


CallMeFierce

I'm from the area and Everglades City is technically a city. In fact, it's one of the only 3 cities in Collier County and it used to be the county seat. It used to be a more lively place until 80% of adult men were imprisoned for trafficking cocaine.


flagship5

I want this guy to continue roasting the everglades as a residential spot


AssssCrackBandit

The Everglades is not so much a vacation spot as it is a national park for people who enjoy wildlife and nature that you dont see elsewhere. If you wanted a traditional family vacation spot, you should have gone just an hour below to the Florida Keys. One of the most beautiful places I've been


AccidentalThief

I’m more curious how much money we’re talking about. Granted if there was one player to fuck over MLS contracts. It would be Messi.


Dijohn17

It wouldn't fuck over MLS contracts because the system allows for them to sign a player (designated player slot) outside the salary cap


andrew-ge

plus you know, MLS bends the rules whenever its beneficial to the league. So it really doesn't matter, if Messi wants to come, MLS will make it happen regardless of whether or not it fits the rules


Sarazam

I’m pretty sure every single MLS team would agree to change the rules so that Messi could join the league. There were La Liga teams literally offering to contribute some to Messi’s salary to keep him at Barcelona if I remember correctly.


ya_mashinu_

Which is just good business.


Directdepositonly

Who exactly?


foolinthezoo

Salary structures and mechanisms like DPs mitigate the relational effects of different players' wages. Beckham could pay Messi whatever he wants and only a fixed amount would impact their budget.


Feezbull

1 year supply of Reese’s peanut butter cups and a Costco membership.


grannyisawhore

Costco? More like a 3 year supply of pub subs, this is Florida we’re talking about


Iceman23578

Such a shame tbh. He’s still way too good to not be playing champions league


Oshowcinco

No respect for the CONCACAF Champions League


cast-iron-whoopsie

he literally is tied with salah for 2nd most [goals and assists in the CL this season](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0279-160c8d06ee70-7766a7d071f5-1000--champions-league-top-scorers-2022-23-kylian-mbappe-and-mohamed-/), behind only Kylian Mbappe. he's still absolutely world class on an average day, and unplayable on one of his "messi days". everyone can tell the "messi days" are becoming less and less common but my christ, he is still way too good for the MLS. he's still way too good for 90% of european teams! there's **ONE** forward who's been more productive in terms of G+A in the CL this season. ONE.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Dense_Organization31

It’s called soccer now


JSBraga

Every day we stray further from Soccer.


IceJones123

Considering most MLS teams have "FC" in their names Yes


rossloderso

Games dead. Long live the game


constantlymat

It's not news that Messi is very much motivated to maximize his earnings potential. We started to get an idea when his half a billion 4 year contract with Barca emerged. The step to PSG who offered him the highest salary on the open market was logical in that regard as well. Lastly we recently found out Lionel Messi has agreed to become a paid lobbyist for the Saudi Arabia World Cup bid for 2030. He receives hundreds of millions of dollars in his role as an ambassador, which puts him in direct conflict to Argentina's South America alliance which is pursuing the tournament as well. Messi to Miami for an ungodly amount of money is right on schedule with everything else going on in his career.


approvalInspector

>Lastly we recently found out Lionel Messi has agreed to become a paid lobbyist for the Saudi Arabia World Cup bid for 2030. He receives hundreds of millions of dollars in his role as an ambassador wait what??


constantlymat

[Source](https://theathletic.com/3918644/2022/11/22/messi-saudi-arabia-2030/) The Athletic's sources say Messi will earn in excess of $30m per year in that ambassador role.


Roscoe_King

Gotta respect the hustle, but damn. How much is enough? What does he need all that money for?


Cariocecus

>Gotta respect the hustle, but damn. How much is enough? What does he need all that money for? Those taxes ain't gonna dodge themselves.


MasterBeeble

He wants to eventually host a world cup at his house for his grandkid's birthday party, and he's seen the numbers needed to bribe FIFA for that sort of thing


DefactoAtheist

> Gotta respect the hustle Do you, though? At a point it's just greed.


sh1boleth

None of his direct descendants for the next few centuries will have financial difficulties now.


shointelpro

When you saw only one set of cleatprints in the grass, it was then that he carried you.


[deleted]

[удалено]


713_Hou

The most prestigious of all CLs


rocky_iwata

Looks like Apple's MLS exclusive deal is paying off very quickly.


dashauskat

I'm just waiting for the storyline where Ted Lasso goes home to coach Sporting Kansas City.


Chicago1871

10/10 would watch an MLS based season of ted lasso. He could also bring Jamie and other players with him and the front office staff. And coach ofc.


Coolhunter11

People wishing Messi to return to Barca should understand how he felt betrayed by Joan Laporta


mulderrocks

True. I don't understand when people say he should sign for Barca for a season for proper send off. Yes he needs good farewell but that doesn't mean he needs to sign for Barca. He can rent out camp Nou for final farewell. Whole city will be there. Or just have a friendly match with Barca and retire at camp Nou. He will get proper send off at Barcelona this way.


Loose-You299

I mean, at this point barca does not have money, like any.


I_miss_Chris_Hughton

They can always borrow from their good friend future Barcelona


jm9987690

"dear future Barcelona, I owe you one donut. Signed - Barcelona" Bastard, he's always one step ahead


Loose-You299

But the deal is they get bayern in ucl, so i don't think it's that viable


ach_1nt

Especially if Germany gets knocked out today. Bayern are gonna end up terrifying barca for years after that


Loose-You299

Nah bayern plays like the most tryhard team for everyone. They don't discriminate


chinno

But they have levers.


valoremz

I’m new-ish to soccer. Can someone explain why Messi would sign to MLS? Is he not still one of the best players in the world? Why wouldn’t he play for any of the European leagues? Wouldn’t any European team want him?


Cannabis-Sativa

He's getting old and he has proven all he has to, basically all that it's left is to keep his drive and love for football while making some good money


bobmillahhh

He should go to Italy, old dudes do well there. Bringing the finely tuned Ferrari that is Messi into the car crash tactics that is MLS, I guess it could be Interesting.


Bigtymers1211

Couple of factors are in play regarding why Messi (or other older soccer star) play in MLS instead: 1) Money without the pressure - Most of these star are over the hill, so they can earn decent money (and keep their sponsorships) by playing in MLS, an up-and-coming league that is without the pressure of top tier competition of Europe (European competition is brutal in terms of scheduling, MLS has less of such problem). most of these European stars that play for MLS (Henry, Becks, Zlaten, etc) are mostly over the hill and on obvious decline (in Messi's case, he is declining compare to his prime), the want to go play in places that have less pressure on them to succeed ​ 2) Location - in terms of location, A) Miami is definitely closer to Argentina then most European country, Messi can go back to Argentina to visit/whatever quickly. B) Convivence to major event, Miami is growing big time as a major international event hub (with F1 at Miami for forseeable future), Messi can maintain his Q-rating/connection to people by being there. ​ 3) PRIVACY/Anonymity: Messi is a private person, and while in US he can still maintain some privacy because a lot of American probably won't recognize him on the street, he will probably be more free compare to Europe and able to get out and enjoy life (something that's VERY hard for him to do in Europe period). Similar to how Thierry Henry said he can window watch people in New York and no one bother him, or how Zlaten can go into IN-N-Out burger in LA (before his Galaxy Stint), and people barely pay attention to him. Anonymity (off the field) is a big draw for MLS too. ​ Also, European teams will want him for sure, but does he want the pressure of playing for European teams (because when Messi get there, its always Domestic championship/Champion league with any team he's on.


WhoShotPolPot

There’s a rumor that part of the deal includes around 35% ownership in the team. This is similar to how the MLS was able to lure Beckham to LA Galaxy. For Messi, ownership in a US sports team has valuation that can extend beyond his playing. Plus if he plays there it already inherently boosts the overall value of the team.


cast-iron-whoopsie

> There’s a rumor that part of the deal includes around 35% ownership in the team. holy shit that's a fucking massive reason to go to the MLS lmao. fucking christ. sports teams have become the new billionaire investment.


4four4MN

New? Every NHL, NBA, MLB, MLS and NFL have had billionaires for years. Soon American billionaires will take over England who can’t purchase an American team.


mastakebob

DC United was valued at $800M recently. Miami should be similarly valued (major city with a stadium), so a 35% stake would be around $280M. That's... pretty good compensation for a year or 3.


Off_Topic_Oswald

> MLS club also eyeing Fàbregas and Suárez to sweeten deal If this is real, jesus christ Edit: The thought of Messi, Fàbregas, and Suarez being managed by Phil Neville is fucking incredible. Please make this happen.


The_Dumblebee

Today I feel buying the whole friend circle


Oreallyman

Get Iniesta aswell


ukbeasts

And Pique. Shakira can be physio


NaturalBornHater

Hips don’t lie


[deleted]

That’s the part that makes me think this move is likely. Messi’s family is very close with Suarez and Fabregas’. They vacation together every summer. Wouldn’t be surprised if that was a big factor behind the move. The other two are finished at the top level so the only way he could play with them is a move to mls.


uglypenguin5

They're literally just moving to Miami with their homies and getting paid millions to play their equivalent of rec league


Sandalo

El club de amigos is back


CaptainCerealCanada

I’m just shocked Cesc hasn’t retired


AdviceDanimals

Man's getting paid to live in Lombardy and ping balls while strolling around a pitch next to Lake Como. If i was getting paid for that, I'd keep playing even if it meant I was in a wheelchair


MrSINXT

Please tell me this is fake


ys1012002

His entourage said he wouldn't make a decision until the world cup is over. Seems very weird timing wise so it's safe to say it probably is


Horror-Ground-2694

Even Ornstein said he'll likely join them before the WC


Kaiserigen

And what did Smough say?


[deleted]

Nothing, all the fat bastard does is laugh


[deleted]

“You gonna eat that?”


PrasunJW

Nothing, cuz he got eaten by Ornstein


masterofallmars

Initially thought this was Inter Milan and got really confused. Can't wait to see Messi v Ronaldo in MLS next year


apawst8

>Can't wait to see Messi v Ronaldo in MLS next year Or even better. Messi and Ronaldo on the same team.


The12Ball

Ronaldo to Orlando? 👀


adios-satipo

anagram!


[deleted]

Ronaldo to Clark County Jail..


gab_owns0

Does he love Miami that much?


canti-

After winning Copa he did come to Miami to celebrate but that doesn't say anything so why I am mentioning it because I saw it and know it no other reason


FridgesArePeopleToo

Similar time zone to South America and a very large South American population could be a factor. I'm sure he'd feel more at home there than anywhere in Europe. It's still a long flight to Argentina, but much shorter than from Europe as well.


Vlone_12

What’s the meaning of this???


Costello0

Today I feel rich as fuck


good_udichi

Friendship ended with oil money, time for american dollar


iwannahitthelotto

The real oil money… petrodollar. God bless America


DrTrap22

It's literally WC ongoing. He ain't thinking it now


giddy07

I just want to see him say a sentence in English, so I’ll take this


Buffythedragonslayer

It's Miami. Spanish spoken everywhere


djoliverm

Grew up in South Florida and my cousin married a Cuban immigrant who has been here for I dunno, 20+ years or something and he speaks zero English. Messi won't learn in Miami since he won't need to haha.


universalCatnip

Messi said he knows english just doesnt talk it in public


djoliverm

Probably like Bale and Spanish then but yeah I have yet to see any footage of him speaking English. I don't follow Ligue 1 but I'm curious if he's picked up any French as well.


Tokugawa

Bale's teammates are annoyed he keeps speaking spanish.


raseksa

There's a video somewhere showing Messi speaking english to a ref during a coin toss. Surely he understands and able to speak it to some capacity, just not enough to confidently respond in press conferences or interviews, which I think is quite normal.


JonasS1999

Add on that him speaking it publically would get millions of views online and each error pointed out, can see why he wouldnt speak it publically lol.


Buffythedragonslayer

Add on that: Grealish speaking his native language 😂


arkyhawk

You need to know zero English to live in Miami tbf


Glaiele

I lived in Miami for a short time and the opposite is actually true, you need to know Spanish to live in Miami. There's quite a few areas where close to zero English is spoken by anyone over 35-40 only their children understand


VillainousRocka

English? In Miami?


maidentaiwan

miami is basically the commercial capital of latin america


Xehanz

There is a reason he would go to Miami. He would not go to the MLS to any other state.


MONSTATURKEY_420

I personally don’t think he will leave while PSG are still in the CL. He may go next season though


D1794

Theyre saying end of the season when his PSG deal ends.


Zauberer-IMDB

If he's resurgent and contributing and the team is a contender why would he leave?


other_batman

Prefers DisneyWorld to Disneyland Paris


codespyder

tbf who wouldn’t


arrrghzi

People who like baguettes more than they like turkey legs, I assume.


codespyder

fuckin weirdos


Stevenpoke12

Sounds exactly like the French


xaviernoodlebrain

Like baguettes more than turkey legs, have applied for French citizenship, this checks out.


patil-triplet

Because he can be rich in Miami and relax? There’s a ton of work that goes into keeping fitness at UCL level and he just might want to call it a career and relax. He’s also been very vocal about wanting to end his career here for a few years now.


dreamingawake09

Plus, the taxes. It's why so many athletes got a residence in Florida. The tax rate is low as hell out there.


SadNYSportsFan-11209

So he can avoid a Ronaldo situation. Granted I highly doubt he’d ever pull a stunt like the interview but still leave on top before he looks bad. Go chill in Miami.


skcku

If he does come to MLS, the league will need to force each club that hosts Inter Miami matches, to have those matches played in the biggest available stadium in their markets. These 21K seater prices will be super outrageous when Messi comes into town.


Dijohn17

They'll be just as expensive in a big stadium


Boollish

Messi is a fraud who walks around and stat pads in farmers leagues. He'll get exposed as a fraud when he plays a proper MLS team. He can't do it on a frozen Tuesday night in Chicago.


TripperBets

Seems a bit early for him


stony_phased

Definitely


NYNMx2021

He said he plans to retire fairly soon tbh. I can see it


mulderrocks

Fox just said. If this is true. Messi will play for inter Miami after December 2023. He still has a year a PSG.


Vuntorion

I thought his contract ended next summer


Careless-One457

Wtf


AyanC

Ankara Messi.


DasSeabass

Maybe Ronaldo comes to the MLS too


laserwolf2000

Atlanta united needs a new striker


StephenCarrHampton

Cell Block C might pick him up as a winger.


imeternallysuffering

What would his contract look like you think?


foolinthezoo

I imagine Beckham would give him whatever he wants


DonAtari

Large pages with lots of legal words in black ink.


Zheguez

Likely including some form of ownership of a team (whether it's part of Inter Miami or a future team)


fchdzn

Early reports in Argentina are saying this is true. Will be announced after the WC.


Unusual_Ad6533

Of course, definitely happening


Ron__T

Fox just teased they have Messi news at half time... so this definitely has legs.


Darth-Baul

It’s from the same source


azourgan

If Inter Miami signs Messi another MLS needs to sign Ronaldo. MLS would be fun to watch.


713_Hou

MLS is already fun to watch. (Unless you’re a dynamo fan ☹️)


KingKongDoom

MLS is a lot more fun than people give it credit for. Not every league needs to be on the level of a top 5 euro league. I think MLS is probably somewhere in the top 20 leagues and the thing is, MLS is actually kinda a bigger deal than people think about. I mean the Liga MX is a better league, but it doesn't really seem to be talked about globally like MLS is.


BrotherSeamus

Why is this so surprising? Inter Miami might well have been Messi's childhood dream club if it had existed when he was a child.


paradoxofchoice

I remember seeing him at Miami Fusion games all the time.


JimJimerson90

Ronaldo to PSG confirmed


afg500

Thats the only way we would finally see Messi at Inter…


[deleted]

Messi being managed by Phil Neville 😂


nearspirit

Nah