, Columnist
Why Lionel Messi Chose Miami Over Riyadh
The soccer great’s move to the US makes a lot of sense professionally, personally and maybe even financially.
Another right move.
Photographer: Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images South AmericaThis article is for subscribers only.
Like a lot of wealthy Latin Americans, Lionel Messi is moving to Miami. Unlike most of them, however, he could live anywhere — and if he had decided on Riyadh, he could’ve been a billion dollars richer. So why has the world’s most famous soccer player decided to end his career with a last-place team in a country where soccer is at best the fourth-most-popular sport?
In fact, Messi’s expected contract with Inter Miami of the US’s Major League Soccer makes a lot of sense — professionally, personally and maybe even financially. Let me explain.