Lionel Messi, the world’s best footballer, is currently in Saudi Arabia with his club Inter Miami, as part of a lucrative but controversial deal that has raised eyebrows in the football world. Messi and his teammates are playing two friendly matches against local teams Al-Hilal and Al-Nasser, as well as participating in promotional events and cultural activities.
The deal, reportedly worth $25 million, was brokered by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, which is responsible for organizing the Riyadh Season, a festival that aims to showcase the kingdom’s entertainment and tourism potential. The deal is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a plan to diversify its economy and improve its image in the world.
However, the deal has also drawn criticism from human rights groups, who accuse Saudi Arabia of using sports and celebrities to whitewash its poor record on human rights, especially regarding women’s rights, freedom of expression, and the war in Yemen. Amnesty International has urged Messi and Inter Miami to use their influence to speak out against the human rights violations in the country, and to donate part of their earnings to humanitarian causes.
Beckham’s Inter Miami: A Dream Come True or a Nightmare in the Making?
David Beckham, the co-owner of Inter Miami, has hailed the Saudi tour as a great opportunity for his club to expand its global reach and to test itself against quality opposition. Beckham, who played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, and Paris Saint-Germain, has always dreamed of owning his own club and bringing top players to the MLS.
He achieved his dream last year, when he signed Messi and Luis Suarez, two of the best players in the world, who had left PSG after winning the Champions League. The duo led Inter Miami to its first trophy, the Leagues Cup, and are expected to dominate the MLS this season.
However, Beckham’s dream also has a major flaw: the MLS salary cap. The league imposes a limit on how much each club can spend on its players, in order to maintain competitive balance and financial stability. Inter Miami has already breached the cap last season, and faces a hefty fine and possible sanctions from the league. The club also has to deal with the demands of its star players, who may not be happy with playing in a lower-level league and may seek to return to Europe.
The Future: A Clash of Interests or a Win-Win Situation?
The Saudi tour has exposed the clash of interests between Messi, Beckham, and Inter Miami. Messi, who is 35 years old, may see the tour as a chance to earn some extra money and to enjoy a different culture, but he may also regret leaving PSG and Europe, where he could have competed for more prestigious trophies and awards. He may also face backlash from his fans and the media, who may question his moral integrity and his loyalty to his club and country.
Beckham, who is 47 years old, may see the tour as a way to boost his club’s profile and revenue, but he may also risk alienating his players and the league, who may not share his vision and ambition. He may also face challenges from other clubs and owners, who may not appreciate his attempts to bend the rules and to attract more attention and resources.
Inter Miami, which is only three years old, may see the tour as an opportunity to grow its fan base and to improve its performance, but it may also jeopardize its future and its reputation, by violating the league’s regulations and by associating with a controversial regime. It may also struggle to retain its players and staff, who may be tempted by other offers and opportunities.
The Saudi tour may be a short-term success for Messi, Beckham, and Inter Miami, but it may also have long-term consequences for their careers and their clubs. The future will depend on how they manage their interests and their expectations, and how they balance their goals and their values.
