This week marks one year since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, and the club’s transformation over the past twelve months has been nothing short of extraordinary. The “Messi Effect” has propelled Inter Miami into the upper echelons of global football brands, and the numbers tell a story of unprecedented growth and success.
When Messi donned the pink and black jersey of Inter Miami in 2023, the club was valued at $600 million. Fast forward to 2024, and that valuation has soared to an astonishing $1.03 billion. This 72% increase in valuation highlights Messi’s unparalleled impact, both on and off the pitch. Sponsors and football enthusiasts alike have been drawn to the newfound allure of Inter Miami, a club that now stands out as a major sports brand in the United States and beyond.
The financial revolution at Inter Miami doesn’t stop at valuation. In 2023, the club’s annual revenue was a respectable $60 million. However, by 2024, this figure had exploded to $200 million, marking a staggering 233% increase. After the news of Messi joining the club, Inter Miami became the top-selling team across all sports on e-commerce retailer Fanatics, while the Messi Jersey broke the record for most shirt sales in 24 hours.
This surge is a testament to Messi’s ability to attract fans, sponsorships, and global attention. From sold-out stadiums to lucrative endorsement deals and product sales, Inter Miami’s financial health is looking very good.
Social media presence is a key indicator of a club’s global reach. When Messi joined Inter Miami, the club’s Instagram followers sat at around 1 million. One year later, that figure has exploded to an incredible 17 million – a 1,600% increase. This meteoric rise in followers underscores Messi’s global appeal and the magnetic pull he has on football fans around the world. I guess it helps the club when your star player has over 500 million followers.
Messi’s impact is not confined to financial and social metrics. On the pitch, Inter Miami has experienced positive results. Last year, the club clinched the Leagues Cup, a testament to Messi’s leadership and skill. This year, Inter Miami is the betting favourite to win the MLS Cup. With Messi at the helm, Inter Miami has become a force to be reckoned with in Major League Soccer.
Lionel Messi’s arrival has had a profound impact on football’s popularity in the USA. Social media interactions for MLS have skyrocketed, with a 1,125% increase on Twitter, 517% on Instagram, and 2,488% on Facebook. Messi’s debut game for Inter Miami against Cruz Azul attracted 1.75 million viewers, making it the most-watched MLS game in 20 years. Additionally, ticket sales for Inter Miami matches have surged, highlighting Messi’s massive draw for fans and significantly raising the league’s profile.
The Argentinian number ten’s arrival at Inter Miami has been a game-changer in every sense. His presence has not only elevated the club’s financial status but has also ignited a passion among fans and players alike. As Inter Miami continues its ascent, the Messi legacy grows stronger, inspiring a new generation of footballers and fans.
It remains to be seen what will happen to this growth when Messi eventually retires, but he has already elevated the club and league far beyond where they were before his arrival. Hopefully, the Messi era proves to be a significant layer of strong foundations for the future of the MLS.
Source: David Skilling| Contributor| USA
