Lionel Messi’s first year with Inter Miami: A game-changer for MLS

A year ago, the world watched as Lionel Messi, the maestro of the pitch, took his talents to South Beach. Inter Miami was no longer just a soccer team; it was a phenomenon. One year in, the Messi effect has turned Miami into the epicenter of American soccer, a place where dreams are made, and fortunes are skyrocketed.

When Messi signed, Inter Miami’s valuation stood at a respectable $600 million. Fast forward to today, and the club is now worth a staggering $1.03 billion, a 72% increase. That’s like watching your favorite stock double overnight. Annual revenue? It shot up from $60 million to $200 million, a jaw-dropping 233% increase. Even Inter Miami’s Instagram followers skyrocketed from 1 million to 17 million, a mind-boggling 1,600% surge. If there was ever a testament to Messi’s marketability, this is it.

Messi didn’t just bring financial gains; he brought trophies. Last year, Inter Miami lifted the Leagues Cup and are now favorites to clinch this year’s MLS Cup. The Messi magic on the field is undeniable, but his off-field impact is equally impressive.

Let’s talk money. Messi’s annualized pay from his MLS contract is over $20.4 million, making him richer than the payrolls of all but three other MLS teams. With a base salary of $10.4 million and total compensation of $20,446,667, Messi’s paycheck is a testament to his worth. His presence on the field, scoring 10 goals this season and leading the charts, shows he’s earning every penny.

Miami leads the league with a $41.7 million payroll, double that of most teams. Messi’s supporting cast isn’t too shabby either. Midfielder Sergio Busquets earns nearly $8.8 million, while forward Luis Suárez and left-back Jordi Alba each pocket $1.5 million. It’s a team built not just to compete, but to dominate.

Messi Mania: Ticket frenzies, global appeal, and unprecedented growth

Remember the ticket frenzy? The cheapest seat for Messi’s debut jumped from $29 to $459 overnight. Chicago Fire sold out Soldier Field, their 62,000-capacity stadium, just for Messi. Even when he was injured, the game generated 55% of their entire season’s ticket revenue.

Messi’s appeal even went global. Inter Miami’s preseason game against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia was a hit, despite Ronaldo’s injury. And the demand for Messi hasn’t slowed down. Inter Miami sold out all season tickets for 2024, with prices nearly doubling from the previous year.

Inter Miami isn’t just filling their own stadium; they’re boosting attendance across the league. This year, 6.5 million fans have attended MLS matches, up 725,000 from last year. Messi’s away games are record-breakers too, with over 70,000 fans at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium and 65,612 in New England.

Messi’s impact isn’t limited to the pitch. His presence has driven a surge in subscriptions to Apple’s MLS Season Pass. His debut alone attracted over 100,000 new subscribers in one day, compared to just 6,143 the day before. Messi is not just a player; he’s a global brand.

Lionel Messi has transformed Inter Miami from a soccer club into a billion-dollar brand. His arrival has brought unprecedented growth, both on and off the field. As Messi continues to weave his magic, one thing is clear: the Messi era has just begun, and the world is watching.