Both on and off the field, Lionel Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami has proven to be an enormous success; since his arrival last summer, the club has grown to be worth an astounding $1.02 billion.
After ending his contentious time in France with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi joined David Beckham’s team back in July. It didn’t take him long to start demonstrating why he is one of the best soccer players in history.
Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain went on to record 11 goals and five assists in his first 14 games after scoring the game-winning freekick in the final seconds of his debut; this performance helped Miami win the Leagues Cup for the first time ever.
In addition, Tata Martino’s team advanced to the US Open Cup final and, after finishing last in the regular season, nearly captured an MLS playoff berth.
Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has proved an astronomical success both on and off the field – with the club now worth an incredible $1.02billion
Messi scored 11 goals in 14 games and inspired Miami’s first trophy win after arriving in July
David Beckham’s franchise is said to have doubled in value since the Argentina captain arrived
Since Messi’s entrance in the US this summer caused a soccer frenzy, there is no denying the impact he has already had on Miami and US soccer in general.
Inter executives are also taking advantage of the financial advantages that come with signing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as they prepare for their star player’s first full season in 2024.
Miami’s current valuation, according to Sportico, is $1.02 billion, nearly twice as much as its $583 million valuation from the previous year.
The MLS franchise’s revenue increased from $55 million to $127 million as a result of Messi mania, making them the third most valuable team in the league as opposed to the 10th.
With a valuation of $1.15 billion, Los Angeles FC is the most valued team in the Major League Soccer (MLS), followed by Atlanta United ($1.05 billion).
Only four teams are reportedly valued at $1 billion or more, with LA Galaxy coming in at precisely $1 billion as the fourth most valuable.
Messi mania has well and truly swept through the States since he signed for Miami
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is currently gearing up for his first full season in MLS
Mass frenzy broke out in the United States upon Messi’s arrival in Miami; the Barcelona legend’s Inter shirt was so popular that even Beckham had to postpone giving some to pals.
The New York Times recently revealed that, despite being a global celebrity and a co-owner of the company, Becks originally had difficulty obtaining a Messi shirt after bringing him to Miami, with Adidas purportedly selling more than they could produce.
The Inter jersey has surpassed the jerseys of established European powerhouses Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal to become the best-selling soccer shirt in North America.
Except for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, sports gear giant Fanatics had sold more Messi jerseys online as of October than any other athlete. No player in any sport had ever sold more on the website in the first day following a transition from one team to another.
Despite this, the supply-and-demand issue is not anticipated to persist in the 2024 campaign, as the manufacturer is now certain that it has enough of the next Messi jersey to match demand.