MLS
The Messi effect as Inter Miami anticipate triple the revenue target
According to the Chief Business Officer of the Herons, Inter Miami are now anticipating three times as much projected income in 2024 thanks to the World Cup winner’s impact.
The Messi effect continues to deliver a positive impact for Inter Miami both on and off the pitch as commercial director Xavier Asensi reported that the club expects to generate record revenue in 2024, three times higher than originally projected thanks to the presence of the Argentine.
According to Yahoo Sports and from Sportico, this figure is expected to exceed $200 million dollars, which would become the largest sum of revenue ever generated by a team in MLS history.
Indeed thanks to the presence of Messi, Inter Miami could be one of the clubs with the highest earnings worldwide. Since 2022, only Flamengo from Brazil have represented North or South America in the top earning clubs global listing.
In 2022 Sportico valued Inter Miami at $585 million dollars, thus becoming the tenth most valuable team in MLS. With Messi onboard this figure could now top one billion dollars as was alluded to recently by Jorge Mas, owner of the Florida team.
Messi’s financial influence
The presence of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner at Inter Miami has increased ticket sales for MLS games with both home games at the DRV PNK Stadium and away fixtures involving Inter Miami all sold out. The club have confirmed a surge in official merchandise with the home and away jerseys bearing Messi’s name and number the most popular items.
In addition to main sponsors, XBTO, the Herons recently added Royal Caribbean International to their list of commercial partners.
“We always look for the opportunities that will provide us with an authentic partnership, and this one is a perfect fit,” said Inter Miami CF Chief Business Officer, Xavier Asensi. “This partnership makes total sense for all of us: two local brands with global audiences and huge ambitions.”
Inter Miami CF main commercial partners already include: XBTO, Fracht Group, AutoNation, Baptist Health and Florida Blue.