Soccer

Lionel Messi joins Inter Miami: The expected impact on the MLS team's worth

Lionel Messi has chosen Inter Miami as his next club once he leaves PSG, a decision that would make a significant impact on the club's valuation.

Lionel Messi"s jersey designs with Inter Miami storm on social media
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June 07, 2023 04:15PM EDT

Lionel Messi didn’t want to wait any longer and decided to join Inter Miami next season. After two frustrating years at Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentine star is ready to take his talents to MLS.

The 35-year-old had been heavily linked with a long-awaited return to Barcelona, but the Spanish club couldn’t guarantee him a place in the roster. Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal had also submitted a mind-blowing offer, but Messi chose to move his family to South Florida.

Needless to say, this is one of the biggest moments in US soccer history. With the 7x Ballon d’Or on board, all eyes will be on Major League Soccer from now on. And it could be a game-changer for the sport’s future in the country. Besides, Messi’s arrival would significantly increase Inter Miami’s worth.

Lionel Messi’s arrival would double Inter Miami’s valuation

According to Spotrac, Inter Miami’s worth as of now is nearly $585 million. With Messi at the club, the team owned by David Beckham would be worth around $1 billion in 2024, becoming the first MLS franchise to reach that number.

Messi’s imminent arrival in Miami has already started to make an effect, with ticket prices going through the roof while commercial partners are prepared to give the Argentine a portion of their sales.

Martín O’donnell

Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of soccer, NFL, and NBA, with a specialty in real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Editor, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis.