Messi loses big money for Beckham and Inter Miami for not winning the 2023 MLS Golden Boot

Lionel Messi’s first season in the United States didn’t go as planned. After not being able to win the 2023 MLS Golden Boot, the team’s captain lost a lot of money for David Beckham and Inter Miami.

During the summer, Inter Miami decided to make one of the most shocking moves in soccer history. The team from Florida signed Lionel Messi to a very lucrative deal that the Argentinian striker couldn’t reject, and he agreed to join their cause immediately.

This move undoubtedly heightened the league and club’s visibility. Unfortunately, it also meant an early end to Lionel Messi’s season as Inter Miami missed the playoffs.

Lionel Messi fails to win the 2023 MLS Golden Boot, loses big money for Inter Miami

While Lionel Messi began his tenure with Inter Miami on a high note, it was marred by a muscle injury that limited his play to only six out of 12 possible league games. Consequently, his had a significant impact on his pursuit of the 2023 MLS Golden Boot.

In his first seven games with the team, which included MLS, Leagues Cup, and the US Open Cup, Messi scored 10 goals and provided one assist, raising hopes of a playoff berth for his team.

Unfortunately, his performance in the MLS wasn’t the best. Despite starting 13 goals behind in the list of the league’s top scorers this season, Messi was the favorite to win the Golden Boot with odds of +350, according to oddsmakers. However, he couldn’t match the 20 goals scored by LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, who claimed the award.

The failure to secure the 2023 MLS Golden Boot cost David Beckham’s Inter Miami $25,000 earmarked for the club’s academy. Lionel Messi only scored one goal in the six games he played this season.

How much money does Lionel Messi earn at Inter Miami?

According to The Guardian, Lionel Messi earns between $50 million and $60m per season at Inter Miami. It has been reported that he signed a contract for two and a half years, which would pay him between $125m and $150m.

Even though it was rumored that he was considering a loan move this offseason, the striker said that he would stay with Inter Miami for the team’s pre-season games, proving his commitment to the MLS club.