How Lionel Messi could join David Beckham in the Inter Miami boardroom as Argentina superstar's surprising true salary in MLS is revealed

According to Forbes, before Messi joined last summer, the MLS outfit was valued at just above the league average at $600 million (£474.7m) - and now it is just over $1 billion (£791.2m) due to increased ticket sales, advertising partnerships, and a global pre-season tour. The report states the 36-year-old could also join co-owner David Beckham in the boardroom, which does not require a buy-in if exercised, and his annual salary is actually between $50-60m (£39.5m-£47.4m) and not $400m (£316.5m).

Messi's impact at Miami and on MLS has been monumental. He has helped turn a side at the bottom of the table into a trophy-winning team, after their Leagues Cup triumph, and now they are challenging for the league title. The Argentine World Cup winner has, arguably, put the league on the map like never before and the viewing figures are through the roof.

Since Messi left Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his contract last year, the veteran has scored 16 goals in 19 games in all competitions. The former Barcelona star is currently out with a leg injury after playing just five times this season so far.

While it remains to be seen if Messi will take ownership in Miami, the Argentine international will hope to play some part in their upcoming games against Colorado on Saturday or Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final on April 10.