Messi took his career to America last year after walking out on French champions PSG and snubbing a move to Saudi Arabia.

The man who convinced the Argentine icon to head Stateside was majority owner of Inter Miami, Jorge Mas, who also appointed Beckham club president.

And part of Messi’s package was the option to take part ownership of the club without needing a buy-in exercised.

Beckham had a similar clause when moved from Madrid to LA Galaxy in a high-profile transfer in 2007.

Per his contract, it allowed him to purchase an MLS franchise for just $25m (£20m) when retiring – paving the way for the launch of Miami.

Messi’s option instead gives him direct ownership in just Miami.

Mas has a net worth of £1.3BILLION having made his fortune in construction and engineering.

And his funds have helped in signing Messi’s ex-Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Messi and his wife Antonela along with their three sons have enjoyed the luxury of living in the South of Florida where they stay in an £8.5m mansion.

Meanwhile, Messi and his team-mates and close pals have all rubbed shoulders with boss Beckham and their other halves.

In a revealing interview with Forbes, Beckham’s business partner Mas claimed Messi is earning a guaranteed sum of £40m-£50m per year.

But the 2022 World Cup winner also has potential to bank even MORE through individual revenue sharing deals with Apple and Adidas.

Last year – with only half-season – Miami more than doubled its revenue to £94m after Messi’s arrival.

The club now expect that to soar past £160m in 2024 thanks to Messi-fueled ticket sales, ads and a massive global pre-season tour.

Messi’s influence has also doubled subscriptions for MLS’s Apple TV streaming service, and teams hosting Miami profited from an increase in ticket sales.

Forbes estimates that Miami are now the second-most valuable club in MLS at £1bn, with only Will Ferrell’s Los Angeles FC ahead of them.

With success off the field, Messi is also inspiring Miami on it with five goals in as many matches to kick off the season.

Messi & Co trail Cincinnati by just a point in the Eastern Conference.