Lionel Messi Receives $25 Million Partnership With Saudi Arabia Days After Turning Down $1.6 Billion Favoring $60 Million Inter Miami MLS Move

Lionel Messi recently gave a much-needed fresh start to his career after switching to the MLS. Having spent more than two decades at FC Barcelona, followed by a two-year stint at PSG, the Argentinian is going to play in America now. Many have their own thoughts about his latest decision, but it seems we will eventually have to comply with it.

Following his exit from the French club, there were considerable options to choose from. Among them was a billion-dollar deal from Saudi Arabia. While La Pulga may have swiftly rejected it, his association with the Gulf country continues.

Lionel Messi has a million-dollar partnership with Saudi Arabia

The chapter of Messi and Saudi Arabia may not have been over completely. This comes after the Argentine star actually signed a tourism contract with the country. In fact, as stated by one mile at a time, the deal pays him an extraordinary sum. The deal, signed in early January 2021, will get him $25 million in three years.

In fact, as an ambassador of the country, he also has access to many facilities that he can enjoy during his visit. Talking about his pay structure, Messi receives an estimated $2 million annually for various engagements related to Saudi Arabia. These include an all-expenses-paid family vacation to Saudi Arabia, accommodating up to 20 family members and friends for a vacation of at least five days or two vacations of at least three days.

Additionally, he earns $2 million per year to promote Saudi Arabia on his social media platforms, with a requirement of 10 posts annually. Another $2 million is received for his involvement in an annual tourism campaign, participation in charitable work, and public appearances associated with Saudi Arabia.

Moreover, he isn’t allowed to say anything that could harm the reputation of Saudi Arabia. Well, this explains his recent visit to a foreign country, which got him a suspension from PSG. Although it’s indeed a significant amount he earns. Yet the sum is peanuts compared to the $1.6 billion offer he turned down in favor of a $60 million MLS move.

Turned down $1.6 billion offer in favor of $60 million

While Messi continues to pocket money from the Middle Eastern country, he could have also added an extra $500 million per year to his cheque. Well, as surprising as it sounds, La Pulga rejected a whopping $1.6 billion deal from Al Hilal. The arch-rivals of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr were desperate to sign the former Barcelona man.

However, it was David Beckham’s franchise that he chose to play for. The World Cup will receive between $50 and $60 million in two years. He also rejected a fairytale reunion with his former club, FC Barcelona, in the process. Nevertheless, it’s quite ironic to hear Messi rejected a $500 million per year offer to stay in Saudi Arabia. However, he is getting $25 million to promote the Gulf country.

WATCH THIS STORY | 2 Years After Wanting to ‘Kill’ Him, Lionel Messi Gifts One of His Iconic Awards to His World Cup Winning Teammate in a Wholesome Gesture

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.