It seems like that he was avoiding to face ronaldo. Benzema, Kante, Ronaldo have been going to the SPL. It seems like that messi was trying the different choice. It's a bit surprise for so many people if messi was willing to play in the miami.
I can't even expect it to happen. So many messi fans are feeling disappointed with his decision to go to the miami. To be honest if SPL becomes a better place to retire rather than miami.
I think Messi want to protect his reputation because many people don't like their players join Saudi Arabian teams, they think the players are playing football to make money, nothing more. Messi join Inter Miami and get paid with low amount money, so it will make people think Messi is playing football for dedication.
Messi might want to increase his popularity by moving into the new league where there's no big player on there, since we all know what make Saudi Professional League big because of Ronaldo.
Before Cristiano Ronaldo joined Saudi club we didn't know much about Saudi club but since Cristiano Ronaldo joined Saudi club we started keeping Saudi league news. Similarly, before Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, we didn't know much about this US club, but since Messi recently confirmed that he will play for the club, from now on, we will probably have enough news about the club and their games. I will see Whether we call it Saudi League or USA League, the reason players like Messi-Ronaldo are signed is to expose their clubs to world football.
Honestly, the decision is surprising, in part, because Messi is leaving Paris Saint-Germain, while declining offers that may be more enticing. So why would Messi pass over an unimaginable payday for a chance to play for a struggling MLS team? The simple answer: He has more to consider than just salary. Also I think Messi wants to maximize his current endorsement deals with Adidas and Apple, both of which have relationships with MLS and stand to gain more exposure. So there are more hidden stuff to this MLS move than we all know.