Tim Cook Reportedly Offers Lionel Messi $199 Million Deal with Controversial Pro-LGBT Condition
In a stunning development that has captured global attention, Apple CEO Tim Cook has allegedly offered Lionel Messi a $199 million contract, with a condition that is already sparking widespread debate. According to multiple sources, the tech mogul has proposed that the Inter Miami superstar participate in pro-LGBT advertisements at every public event he attends as part of the deal.
Messi’s $199M Offer: Financially Unmatched, Socially Divisive
The lucrative offer would place Messi among the highest-paid athletes in the world, even surpassing many top footballers in Europe. However, the attached requirement has triggered controversy across both the sports and social spheres. Tim Cook, a well-known LGBTQ+ advocate and the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company, is said to be using this proposed partnership to amplify LGBT visibility in the world of professional sports.
This proposal comes at a time when Lionel Messi’s move to Major League Soccer (MLS) has already transformed the U.S. soccer landscape. With successful stints at FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Messi's legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time is undisputed. Now, this high-stakes contract could be the next dramatic chapter in his storied career.
Social Impact vs. Personal Beliefs: Should Athletes Be Political Symbols?
While Cook’s intentions may align with advocacy and inclusivity, the stipulation for Messi to appear in pro-LGBT marketing campaigns at every event has raised critical questions. Many fans and analysts argue that athletes should not be compelled to endorse political or social causes as part of their professional contracts.
Though Messi has previously supported various charitable efforts, this request signals a more continuous and public alignment with a specific agenda. Critics warn that such an approach risks alienating portions of Messi’s global fanbase, particularly in regions where LGBTQ+ rights remain a sensitive topic.
Messi’s Reported Response Goes Viral
In response to the offer, Messi is rumored to have delivered a powerful yet succinct statement:
“My legacy is built on my skills, not my affiliations.”
This response has gone viral, generating intense discussion across social media platforms and news outlets. Supporters praise the football icon for upholding personal integrity, while others believe he should leverage his platform to support LGBTQ+ visibility and equality.
A Defining Moment in the Intersection of Sports and Social Advocacy
As speculation continues, it remains unclear whether Messi will accept the deal. What is clear is that Tim Cook’s offer has ignited a global conversation about the role of athletes in social advocacy, the ethics of contractual obligations, and the evolving expectations placed on public figures.
For now, all eyes remain on Lionel Messi as he weighs a decision that could redefine not only his career—but also the future of athlete-brand partnerships in a socially conscious era.