Inside the Lionel Messi to Inter Miami deal — seeing off Saudis, equity offers and Beckham and Co.’s secret trip - The Athletic

Why Messi chose Miami over Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia

How the courtship culminated in an announcement from Messi that, despite months of planning, caught many by surprise

Why Miami have given Messi equity in the club as part of his deal

Mas’ seat in Messi’s box at the World Cup final

The talks that brought Apple to the table, with Messi offered a share of new international subscribers

How Messi’s deal is structured to make him the highest-paid player in MLS history, and how corporate partners played a role in the negotiations.