Why a $1.6bn Salary was Insufficient for the Greatest Content Creator of All Time.

In an unconventional move that has left the world of soccer spellbound, Lionel Messi chosen to ply his trade with Inter Miami instead of accepting a massive $1.6 billion tax-free salary to play in Saudi Arabia. At first glance, this might seem like an absurd choice but to me its nothing short of genius.

Lionel Messi has long been revered as the Picasso of football .. or should we say "Soccer" ( said in American Soccer Mum Accent with a Mini-Van). His artistry is supreme, and like any great creator, he's deeply aware of the canvas he uses. The Argentinian chose Miami not merely for its weather, wealth or glamour, but for the uncharted opportunities it offers in leveraging the power of media.

Consider the burgeoning fanbase of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States and the corresponding media attention it attracts, by choosing to play for Inter Miami, Messi is creating a window to the American market, one that surpasses the potential reach of any Saudi Arabian club.

Messi's decision is reflective of the emerging trend of athletes realising that what they really are, is content creators. Messi isn't just playing soccer; he's creating a spectacle, a product that is consumed by millions worldwide. With every magical moment on the pitch, he's not just scoring goals; he's creating content that sells tickets, increases brand awareness, and boosts the popularity of what ever team/club he is associated with, not to mention the league.

In realising the above, a mere salary regardless of it's size is dwarfed by the potential returns of having equity in the value he will undoubtedly create in one of the most lucrative sports markets in the world.

Apple, who signed a staggering $2.5 billion, 10-year license for MLS, has acknowledged Messi's content creation prowess. Recognising that Messi's presence will undoubtedly increase subscription rates, Apple has offered him a share of their revenue. Likewise, Adidas understands that Messi will move more shoes off the shelves, and is giving him a share of the profits. Messi has now positioned himself to have "skin in the game."

The genius behind this move is that Messi is monetising his content creation abilities and not just his athletic prowess. He's not merely an athlete; he's an elite content creator who will generate mind-boggling viewership, move merchandise, and monetise all that he creates; significantly increasing the value of Inter Miami and the MLS.

In choosing to play for Inter Miami, Messi has rejected a conventional deal for a more innovative one. He turned down the $1.6 billion Saudi deal, not out of hubris, but to leverage his role as the top content creator in soccer. Messi’s bold move, combined with his talent and unrivalled influence, stands to make him more than just the greatest soccer player of all time. But perhaps the greatest content creator of all time; into doing so he stands to earn more than any tax-free salary could ever offer.

“You're not going to get rich renting out your time.?You must own equity — a piece of a business — to gain your financial freedom” - Naval Ravikant