By Iseoluwa Raychel
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is set to become the fifth top paid athlete in America following his switch to Inter Miami, Sportivationng.com reports.
Messi newly arrived at Inter after a two-year spell with French giants PSG, where he won two titles and netted 32 goals in 75 matches.
His decision to sign for the MSL outfit shocked many as he was tipped to join big-paying Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia who were reportedly ready to pay him €1.2bn over the course of two years.
The World Cup winner also ditched the opportunity to rejoin former club Barcelona due to their ongoing financial problems.
The legendary footballer will hit the ground running next month in the US during the local competition and the Leagues Cup, with soccer fans eager to see him.
According to ???????????? ????????????????????????, the 35-year-old Argentine will become the fifth highest-paid athlete per year in the United States.
NBA stars Devin Booker of Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl Anthony Town leads the way with $56.1m each, Nikola Jokic of Denver Nuggets earns $54.5m.
Four-time NBA champion and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry is placed fourth with $53.8m earning, while Messi who is expected to receive $53.7m yearly, is fifth.
In a related story, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has described his stay at PSG as difficult and unenjoyable.
During an interview with ???????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????, Messi opened up on his time with the Les Parisiens, where he admitted he was far from happy at the Parc des Princes.
“These were two years in which I was not happy. I did not enjoy myself, and that affected my family life.
“I expected it to end differently, but it was two years, which, in general, were difficult for me. But they are behind me.”