Messi Skips All-Star, MLS TV Deal, Griezmann MLS Debut, Transfer Moves

Today's Monday episode dives into the business of MLS and the contradiction at its core. Lead with Lionel Messi skipping the MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte alongside Rodrigo De Paul, excused under FIFPro's 21-day World Cup rest rule — no suspension this time, unlike the 2025 incident when Messi and Jordi Alba were banned. Second story: MLS is targeting a $400-500 million annual TV deal when the Apple agreement expires after 2029, up from $250M/year, while facing a crowded US soccer market and a planned USL top-flight league with promotion/relegation in 2028. Third story: the connective angle — MLS is selling future rights partners on Messi and World Cup momentum, but Messi keeps skipping marquee events and will not play forever. Fourth story: Antoine Griezmann scored in his MLS debut for Orlando City, a 4-0 win over San Jose Earthquakes, showing a model for MLS beyond Messi. Closer: European market still moving — Arsenal prepared to make Vinícius Júnior their highest-paid player ever, Inter in talks with Tottenham over Cristian Romero, and John Stones drawing Serie A interest.

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