Lionel Messi frenzy at Inter Miami continues, with the MLS team now estimated to be worth $1 billion (£787 million).
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner came to the United States as a free agent in 2023, when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired. Within weeks after his arrival, Inter Miami had won a historic League Cup. They also advanced to the U.S. Open Cup final before falling short against the Houston Dynamo.
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTUREThe Herons were unable to reach the MLS play-offs, as Messi picked up an untimely injury, but positive progress continues to be made on and off the field. They now have a marketing dream at their disposal, with co-owner David Beckham and the club’s board making the most of that.
A first international tour is being taken in at the start of 2024 – which includes a meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr – and Sportico claims that the club has joined the $1 billion club. Only four MLS sides are said to have hit that mark, with the others being LAFC at $1.15billion (£903m), Atlanta United on $1.05billion (£825m) and the $1 billion (£787m) valued LA Galaxy.
Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT?Nobody gets close to Inter Miami when it comes to annual value increase, as they surge by 74%, with LAFC only up by 28%. In 2023, the Florida-based franchise sat 10th on the MLS chart, but the presence of Argentine all-time great Messi at DRV PNK Stadium has seen them soar up the rankings.
