Interpreting the Beckham Rule: How did Messi refuse a big Saudi contract to go to the US major league?

The news of Messi's joining Major League Soccer (MLS) club Internacional Miami has recently become a hot topic in world football. The Argentine legend turned down a $1.6 billion salary from Saudi club Riyadh Crescent instead heading to the United States.

By bringing in Messi, it can be seen that Internacional Miami is a club with high aspirations. However, many fans may not understand that Messi's incredible decision may have been influenced by the "Beckham Rule", which paved the way for the development of Major League League.

What are the Beckham Rules?

In 2007, David Beckham made headlines by joining MLS's Los Angeles Galaxy. Just a few months before the blockbuster signing came just months after MLS enacted a new rule that allowed the team to sign a five-year contract with a base salary of $6.5 million. This rule is known as the Beckham rule, also known as the Designated Player (DP) rule.

Through this rule, the team can pursue a high level of foreign assistance and attract the world's biggest stars. This rule allows MLS teams to sign 3 players who are not subject to the salary cap.

In the past three seasons, the maximum annual salary for a major league player was $612,500, and this year that number has increased to $651,250. Through this rule, there is no such cap on the salary of stars who become designated players, and Messi belongs to such players. Last year, Italian star Insigne joined Toronto FC with an annual salary of $14 million, and nine teams in the league have lower total salary expenses.

The arrival of Xiaobei had a profound impact on Major League Leagues, not only bringing super popularity, but also bringing football into the mainstream consciousness of the United States. Since the rule was introduced, the number of international players in the major leagues has increased significantly, raising the league's standards. Many teams have used this rule to sign world-class stars such as Ibrahimovic, Henry, Villa and now Messi.

The decision to join Miami International

When it comes to choosing his next home, Messi has multiple options. He could return to Barca, an emotional choice, or accept a two-year, $1.6 billion contract from Saudi Arabia for a handsome financial return.

But he eventually joined Internacional Miami, becoming the highest-paid player in the major leagues, earning up to $54 million a year. Currently, the league's highest-paid player is Switzerland's Shaqiri, who earns $8.2 million for the Chicago Fire. Messi's salary is more than 6 times that of the Swiss. Signing Messi creates a promising prospect for American fans and other teams.