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 following his arrival last summer.
Messi signed for David Beckham‘s franchise back in July after calling time on his turbulent stint in France with Paris Saint-Germain, and it didn’t take him long to begin showing why he is one of the greatest soccer players in history.
After firing home a game-winning freekick in the dying minutes of his debut, Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain went on to register 11 goals and five assists in his first 14 appearances – a return which helped Miami win its first ever trophy in the Leagues Cup.
Tata Martino’s men also reached the US Open Cup final, while even coming close to snatching an MLS playoff spot after previously sitting bottom of the table.
There is no disputing the impact Messi has already had on both Miami and US soccer as a whole, with his arrival sparking a frenzy in the States last summer.
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
And as they gear up for their star man’s first full season in 2024, Inter chiefs are already enjoying the financial benefits of signing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
According to Sportico, Miami is now valued at $1.02bn – which is almost double the $583million it was valued at last year.
Messi mania has helped the MLS team boost its revenue from $55m to $127m, moving them from the 10th most-valuable club in the league to the third.
Los Angeles FC is ranked as the most valuable club in the MLS at $1.15bn, while Atlanta United is second in the list at $1.05bn.
Only four franchises are said to be worth $1bn or more, with LA Galaxy the fourth most valuable at $1bn exactly.
Messi’s arrival at Miami triggered mass hysteria in the States, with the Barcelona legend’s Inter jersey so in-demand that even Beckham himself was forced to wait to gift some to friends.
Despite being part-owner of the organization and a worldwide celebrity, the New York Times recently reported that Becks initially found it hard to get hold of a Messi jersey since luring him to Miami, with Adidas reportedly selling more than they were able to make.
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
Inter’s jersey is now the best-selling soccer shirt in North America, moving ahead of traditional European giants Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Arsenal.
As of October, Sports apparel kings Fanatics had sold more Messi jerseys than any other athlete asides from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, with no player in any sport ever selling more on the site in the first 24 hours after switching teams.
The supply-and-demand problem is not expected to remain in the 2024 season, nevertheless, with the manufacturer now confident that it has enough of the next edition of Messi’s jersey to meet it.
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