When Inter Miami broke precedent to bring on Lionel Messi, signing him to a contract worth $150 million, the club was making a big bet that it would be worth it.
Since Messi joined the league on July 15, 2023, Inter Miami has almost doubled their revenue, the club has told ESPN, making the economic returns clear.
Before Messi's arrival, Inter Miami generated revenue of $50-$60 million in 2022, according to the club. It swelled to $120-$130 million in 2023, but in 2024, the team is projected to earn over $200 million in revenue, dwarfing previous numbers and setting a club record.
This year's explosion in revenue can clearly be attributed to record-breaking sponsorship deals, unprecedented demand for tickets, merchandise, and all things Messi mania. «It is completely night and day [after signing Messi], because what we are doing now with the team is totally on an international level,» said Xavier Asensi, Inter Miami president of business operations. «Now we are talking about the global interest.