22 February 2024 , 03:00
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Lionel Messi and his $1 billion impact have made Inter Miami bigger than 14 Premier League clubs.
Messi and Inter Miami are back in action on Wednesday evening as they kick off their MLS season, but he's already made a huge difference to the club before stepping onto the pitch this season.
The Argentine superstar joined Inter Miami in July, in a massive win for the David Beckham-owned team and the league. He was the spark that turned the team's luck around both on and off the pitch.
He came onboard when the club was at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, but in just a few weeks, he helped them win their first trophy in history. He scored 10 goals in seven games as Gerardo "Tata" Martino's team won the Leagues Cup.
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The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner got injured towards the end of the season, which put a stop to a late push into the playoffs. But with Messi back against Real Salt Lake for the season opener, and new signing Luis Suarez joining him, Inter are tipped to win the MLS Cup.
Off the pitch, he's had a massive effect on the club's finances. According to sports business insider Joe Pompliano, Messi has been largely responsible for a 72 percent increase in the club's value, going from $600 million to $1.03b over the past year.
The club's value has now shot up, making it worth more than 14 Premier League teams including West Ham United, Everton and Newcastle United. It is only behind Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Messi's star power has also attracted more sponsors to the club. This week, they announced a deal with JP Morgan Chase for naming rights. This means that DRV PNK Stadium will be renamed Chase Stadium this season.
The Lionel Messi effect has made Inter Miami a billion-dollar club (No credit)Miami further expect their money made in 2024 to go up by more than 250 percent from the $56m they earned in 2022. The club thinks they will make over $200m this year, which would break an MLS record.
The league and its partners have also gained a lot from Messi's move. More people are signing up to Apple TV's MLS Season Pass. Messi himself is getting a big share of the profits thanks to deals with Apple and Adidas. He also gets paid around $20m and can buy shares in Inter Miami.
Miami will start the new season against Real Salt Lake at Chase Stadium at 8 p.m. ET. Miami didn't do too well in preseason, even losing 6-0 to Saudi Arabian team Al-Nassr. But they are expected to win their first game of the season as Messi starts his first full season with the team. He will be joined by former Liverpool and Barcelona star Suarez.