Inter Miami's Rodolfo Pizarro Suffers Consequence of Lionel Messi's Arrival
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| Inter Miami's Rodolfo Pizarro Suffers Consequence of Lionel Messi's Arrival (Image Source: edition.cnn.com |
Introduction
The excitement of Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami has taken the US soccer world by storm.
Fans eagerly gathered to witness the official unveiling of the Argentine superstar in the club's distinctive pink kit.
However, amidst the frenzy of Messi's signing, spare a thought for Rodolfo Pizarro, a Mexican international player who faced a brutal consequence due to the superstar's arrival.
Pizarro's Journey at Inter Miami
In 2020, Pizarro joined Inter Miami, becoming a significant part of its inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
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He etched his name in the club's history by scoring its first-ever goal and continued to be a valuable asset, making 58 appearances, scoring seven goals, and providing 13 assists during his tenure with Inter.
Pizarro's signing filled one of the club's three 'Designated Player' spots.
These players are exempt from the MLS salary cap, a rule popularly known as the 'Beckham Rule,' named after David Beckham, who became the league's first designated player with LA Galaxy in 2007.
The Beckham Rule allows teams to attract high-profile players like Messi, who fall outside the league's standard pay structure.
Pizarro's Contract Termination
With Messi joining Inter Miami on a staggering contract reportedly worth between $50 to $60 million per year, he occupied one of the club's designated player spots.
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As a result, the club made a surprising announcement on Friday, just a day before Messi's official signing, stating that Pizarro's contract had been mutually terminated.
This move freed up a designated player slot for the arrival of Lionel Messi.
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The reason behind Pizarro's release has sparked discussions, with questions raised about whether it was primarily aimed at reducing the club's number of designated players.
CNN reached out to Inter Miami and Pizarro's agent for further insights.
Pizarro Finds a New Home
In an emotional farewell message on Instagram, Pizarro expressed his gratitude for having the honor to play for Inter Miami.
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Subsequently, Greek top-flight side AEK Athens announced that they had signed Pizarro, reuniting him with his former manager MatÃas Almeyda, who coached the 29-year-old player during his time at Mexican team Chivas.
Pizarro expressed his joy on Instagram, stating that he is fulfilling a dream by joining AEK Athens.
Inter Miami's Expanding Roster
Notably, Inter Miami has also made another significant signing - Messi's longtime Barcelona teammate, Sergio Busquets.
This development means that the club currently has four designated players on its roster - Messi, Busquets, Josef MartÃnez, and Gregore.
The club now faces the challenge of either moving one of their designated players or "buying down" a player's contract to adhere to MLS regulations.
Buying down a contract entails using a portion of the allocated funds to reduce a player's salary, effectively removing their designated player status.
Past Troubles with MLS Regulations
Inter Miami has had a history of running afoul of MLS regulations. In 2021, the club incurred an MLS-record $2 million fine and a $2.2 million cap hit due to violations related to the misuse of designated player allocation and salary budget rules.
The violations included incorrect roster categorization and undisclosed agreements that led to underreported salary budget amounts for certain players. The club's managing owner, Jorge Mas, was also personally fined $250,000.
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The club has since taken steps to address these issues, making significant changes in its management structure to ensure compliance with MLS rules and build a competitive and sustainable team.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami has undoubtedly sparked immense excitement among fans.
However, the departure of Rodolfo Pizarro stands as a stark reminder of the consequences that superstar signings can have on existing players.
As Inter Miami navigates the challenge of managing their roster and adhering to MLS regulations, the club remains committed to building a strong and competitive team that will continue to captivate soccer enthusiasts across North America and the world.
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