Lionel Messi is set to complete a shock transfer to Major League Soccer (MLS) side, Inter Miami, in the coming days.
Although no deal is done yet, ESPN reports that terms include an option for part-ownership of Inter Miami.
The deal would not be subsidised by the league as they did for David Beckham in 2007.
When Beckham — now a co-owner of Inter Miami — moved to the LA Galaxy he was given the option to purchase an MLS team for a discounted price of $25 million.
A cut of revenue from new subscribers to Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass streaming service was part of negotiations. Any agreement involving Messi and Adidas would strictly be between the player and the company, and wouldn’t directly involve MLS.
Sources have told ESPN’s Jordi Blanco that despite Barcelona’s efforts to adjust their payroll, Messi has opted not to wait any longer and has ruled out Barcelona as a destination for next season.
Meanwhile, senior figures behind Al Hilal’s attempt to sign Messi fear he has lost interest as he weighs his next move.
Media reports Wednesday said that the Argentina star has reached a deal with Inter Miami, but a spokesperson for the Major League Soccer club declined comment.