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While the majority of leagues across Europe are preparing for the 2022-23 season, the summer months typically bring a flood of transfer speculation and rumors. But easily the biggest move of the offseason has already been completed, once Lionel Messi finally agreed to join MLS franchise Inter Miami.
Intriguingly, this particular deal had been on the table for several years, made all the more probable given that Messi already owned a luxurious beachside Miami home, purchased in 2019 according to Sports Illustrated. Located in Sunny Isles Beach, his Porsche Design Tower condominium is estimated to be worth around $9 million.
Nevertheless, once it became clear that Messi would be leaving Paris Saint-Germain, there was talk of returning to Spanish giants Barcelona, plus an incredibly lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia. Thankfully for soccer fans across the whole of North America, this living legend of the beautiful game settled on moving to MLS, prompting an incredible sense of euphoria.
Can the Argentine soccer icon deliver on the pitch?
Although the pressure of expectation might not be the same in MLS, especially compared to life at leading clubs in top leagues across Europe, there will inevitably be hope that Messi can lead Inter Miami to success over the next couple of years. Whether he can make an instant impact remains to be seen, although sportsbooks already seem confident.
Inter Miami have received a boost following the arrival of Messi, looking at the odds Betway is offering on June 27. Despite suffering a complicated start to the 2023 season, Betway has Miami priced at +2500 in their outright MLS Cup Winner markets, falling more than half since the announcement confirming Messi had signed with the Floridian club.
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This highlights a certain level of expectation that at the very least, due to being one of the world’s highest-paid athletes, Messi can improve the fortunes of Inter Miami on the pitch. Not only does he possess talent, but his name alone is enough to lure other prestigious players to the cause, including former Barcelona teammate and best friend Sergio Busquets.
Bringing in such quality players will undoubtedly inspire stronger performances from the team, as will the planned changes to the coaching staff, amidst negotiations to hire Messi’s Argentine compatriot Tata Martino as head coach. Should all these moves be in place by the time Messi debuts, Inter Miami will have a completely different outlook in the months ahead.
Business is already booming for MLS
Always looking to grow and expand, both in terms of competitive quality and international branding, MLS leadership and franchises are keen to explore all available options. Without any shadow of a doubt, landing Messi will take Inter Miami towards new realms financially, based upon the growth already achieved by other franchises.
Earlier this year we looked at the growth of MLS franchise valuations, rising by more than 85% since 2019. Setting one important milestone, LAFC became the first billion-dollar MLS franchise in 2023. They are closely followed by neighboring Los Angeles Galaxy, currently estimated to be worth around $925 million, then Atlanta United valued at $850 million.
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Based on the numbers published by Forbes on February 2 this year, highlighting Major League Soccer’s most valuable clubs, the Inter Miami franchise was estimated to be worth around $600 million at the time. One can only imagine that having captured the stellar presence of Messi, that valuation could easily have doubled by 2024.
Fans are already clamoring for their chances to see Messi play, based on reports ahead of his expected debut on July 21 against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup. Ticket prices have apparently risen by more than 1,000% for that game alone, prompting the club to install temporary stands, raising capacity by an additional 3,000 seats at DRV PNK Stadium.
Messi-mania hits the Florida soccer scene
Following the official announcement that Messi had signed for the club, thousands of euphoric Inter Miami fans immediately took to the streets in celebration. Those driving cars beeped their horns excitedly, Argentina flags draped from open windows, while those on foot were cheering and chanting his name. Some carried huge banners bearing his image.
Social media has also reacted positively to Messi joining Inter Miami, as their official Instagram account saw a massive spike in followers, rising beyond 13 million in total across all platforms. Before announcing the Argentine ace, the club had around 1 million followers, although that rocketed to beyond 6 million within just 24 hours. Messi-mania is now in full effect.
