The signing of football legend Lionel Messi by Inter Miami in 2023 catapulted the franchise to unprecedented heights, transforming the team into a powerhouse both on and off the pitch.
Messi‘s arrival in the United States marked a turning point for MLS and Inter Miami, triggering a surge in popularity and a staggering increase in the franchise’s overall value. The financial landscape of the league witnessed a remarkable shift, with the average franchise value inching towards the $700 million mark, showcasing the widespread impact of Messi‘s influence.
Messi and Inter Miami teammates surprise Luis Suárez in the middle of a flight
The Argentine maestro wasted no time in leaving his mark on the field, delivering a spectacular debut that included a jaw-dropping free-kick goal against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup. His subsequent 14 appearances for Inter Miami showcased his level, contributing five goals and eleven assists and culminating in the team’s triumph in the Leagues Cup – the club’s first-ever trophy.
Despite narrowly missing out on a playoff spot in MLS, Messi’s impact was undeniable, considering Inter Miami’s previous position near the bottom of the league before his arrival. The experts now value Inter Miami as the third most valuable team in MLS, a remarkable feat given the club’s meteoric rise in income from $55 million to an astonishing $127 million.
Miami is bringing in reinforcements
With the addition of star players such as Luis Suarez to the roster, Inter Miami aims to dominate MLS and secure its first league championship. The DRV PNK stadium has become a hub for former Barcelona players, creating a sense of camaraderie and ambition within the team.
Messi and Inter Miami amazed by exclusive acrobatic show on Miami cruise
David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, has undeniably struck gold with the signing of Messi. The team’s statistics across various metrics have propelled it to the third position in MLS‘s valuation rankings, breaking the coveted $1 billion barrier. The brand’s value has surged by an incredible 74 percent since Messi’s arrival, solidifying Inter Miami’s status as a major player in American soccer.
While LAFC currently holds the highest valuation at $1.15 billion, Inter Miami closely follows, surpassing traditional powerhouses like LA Galaxy. The Messi effect extends beyond the pitch, significantly impacting the club’s off-field endeavors. Sponsorship agreements, including a shirt deal with Royal Caribbean, have added substantial sums to the team’s coffers.
The Messi jersey, adorned with the iconic ’10,’ has become a sensation in North American sales charts, outpacing even established European giants. Inter Miami’s co-owner, David Beckham, personally experienced the fervor as Messi jerseys broke sales records, attesting to the global appeal of the Argentine star.
As Messi gears up for his first full season with Inter Miami in 2024, the club and its partners are bracing for unprecedented demand for the coveted ‘Messi 10’ shirt, underscoring the enduring impact of the Messi magic on the flourishing franchise. Inter Miami’s journey from a struggling team to a billion-dollar powerhouse is a testament to the transformative influence of one of the greatest footballers in history.
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