In a surprising move, soccer legend Lionel Messi has found himself in the midst of controversy once again, as details emerge about his tourism ambassador deal with the Saudi Arabian government. Messi’s partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority could potentially earn him a staggering $25 million over a three-year period. However, this deal has raised concerns due to the country’s human rights record and the conditions imposed on the soccer star.
Promotional Social Media Posts Garnering Millions:
Under the terms of the contract, Messi is expected to produce ten promotional social media posts per year, for which he receives an impressive $2 million annually. With an enormous following of 473 million on Instagram alone, his influence and reach cannot be underestimated. The soccer superstar initially announced his partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority in May 2022 through an Instagram ad post captioned “Discovering the Red Sea #VisitSaudi.”
Opulent Vacations and Charitable Appearances:
In addition to the social media posts, Messi is also entitled to an annual family vacation to Saudi Arabia, with all travel expenses and luxurious accommodations covered for him and up to 20 of his family members and friends. This perk is valued at $2 million per year. Furthermore, the Argentinean footballer will receive an additional $2 million for participating in charitable appearances and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s annual tourism campaign.
Silencing Dissent: The “Tarnishing” Condition
However, the deal comes with a controversial clause that forbids Messi from making any statements that may “tarnish” the reputation of Saudi Arabia, a nation that has faced significant criticism regarding its human rights practices. This condition raises concerns about the limits imposed on freedom of expression and the ability to speak out against social injustices.
Choosing Inter Miami over Lucrative Saudi Club Offers:
Interestingly, it is worth noting that Messi turned down an astounding $1.6 billion offer to play for Saudi club Al Hilal. Instead, he opted to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). His agreement with the American club includes revenue splits with tech giant Apple and sports apparel brand Adidas, along with the option to acquire an equity stake in the team. This decision has left many speculating about Messi’s motivations and the values he prioritizes in his career.
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Saudi Arabia’s Aggressive Soccer Push:
Messi’s deal with Saudi Arabia is not an isolated incident but part of the nation’s wider strategy to bolster its soccer presence on the global stage. The country’s Public Investment Fund recently made headlines with its record-breaking contract with Cristiano Ronaldo and its $1 billion fund dedicated to signing notable players like Karim Benzema, who is set to join Al-Ittihad next month. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund also holds ownership of English Premier League club Newcastle United, further solidifying the kingdom’s ambitions in the world of football.
Lionel Messi’s multimillion-dollar partnership with Saudi Arabia’s tourism authority has ignited controversy due to the conditions placed upon him and the country’s human rights record. As one of the world’s most influential athletes, Messi’s endorsement of Saudi Arabia raises questions about the role of sports in diplomacy and human rights advocacy. While the soccer star continues his career with Inter Miami in MLS, his association with Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly remain a topic of debate for fans, activists, and soccer enthusiasts alike.
