Heat forward Jimmy Butler is thrilled to share the spotlight with the Miami’s newest superstar.
Lionel Messi announced the bombshell news Wednesday that he’s leaving France’s Paris Saint-Germain to join Inter Miami of MLS.
Butler, who’s in the middle of the NBA Finals with the Heat, couldn’t contain his jubilation over the news that the Argentinian World Cup champion would be calling Miami home.
“Obviously, he is one of the greatest players to play the beautiful game,” Butler told reporters Thursday. “I’m so excited for the city of Miami, to be able to have a player of that caliber here.
“Obviously us being in the Finals and having an opportunity to do something special.”
In a video released Wednesday, Messi confirmed he would play for Miami despite being courted by Barcelona and Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
His contract with Miami reportedly includes deals with both Adidas and Apple, which has a 10-year contract with the MLS to broadcast its games globally.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Messi will receive a cut of all new MLS subscriptions that Apple gains.
Messi’s soon-to-be presence in the North American league has already sent ticket prices soaring in Miami and beyond, including in the New York area.
The Red Bulls are set to host Miami on Aug. 26, and tickets have already skyrocketed over $300 for the event in anticipation of the soccer juggernaut’s arrival in the Big Apple.
“Now that he is here, I think all the football/soccer fans from all over the world are going to come here and get an opportunity to watch him compete,” Butler added. “I’m glad he is here.”
Butler’s eighth-seeded Heat have stormed all the way to the NBA Finals, but trail 2-1 in their series with the Nuggets.
For his part, however, Butler has scored 21-plus points in each of the last two games against Denver.
Miami has a chance to even up the Finals in Game 4 on Friday night at Kaseya Center.