Mario Cristobal Drops Lionel Messi Into His Miami Hurricanes Recruiting Pitch
Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal has some new ammunition at his disposal when it comes to promoting Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities in South Florida.
During a Tuesday interview at the ACC Kickoff media days, Cristobal was asked about soccer star Lionel Messi taking his talents from PSG to Inter Miami.
Mario can now use The GOAT as part of his recruiting pitch:
“If Mr. Messi takes a chance to go to Miami to continue to grow his brand, why wouldn't any player in the country not want to come to Miami.”
— GO ‘CANES! (@83_87_89_91_01) July 25, 2023
— Mario Cristobal pic.twitter.com/JsbZ6by6W8
"You guys just lobbed me up a great NIL opportunity," Cristobal told ACC Network. "If Mr. Messi takes a chance to come to Miami to continue to grow his brand, why would any player in the country not come to Miami? Thank you for that lob."
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami of Major League Soccer this month. He earns a yearly salary of $54 million from the team, but likely more than doubles that amount in endorsements and league revenue sharing deals.
The Miami Hurricanes NIL situation has typically been most associated with billionaire John Ruiz, but the metropolitan surroundings of Coral Gables are rich with countless additional opportunities with local and global businesses.
While most powerhouse programs are located in smaller college towns, Miami is a top 15 media market. Players with the personalities and the business savvy to take advantage of that can find extra success in the growing NIL landscape.
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