But never before has this long-derided sports market — which has often underperformed for its market size in ratings and attendance — seen the level of interest and cultural relevance generated by Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami.
Even before the Argentinian legend plays a single minute for the club, both the club and its home market have been transformed by his decision to play in MLS.
Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas told CNBC that the club’s revenues are now expected to double over the next year, and that the franchise valuation could reach between $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion by 2024 — a figure more than double Forbes’ most recent estimate of $600 million.
That type of escalation beats even what the Heat experienced when LeBron James took his talents to South Beach in 2010.
“When does an athlete truly have the opportunity to change the sport? I think that’s the opportunity Messi has ahead of himself,” Mas said.
Fanatics, meanwhile, could set sales records with Messi jerseys, days after fans filled the club’s DRV PNK Stadium in a torrential downpour for Messi’s formal introduction.
Tickets for his debut in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul on Friday are beginning at around $200 each on the resale market. The Marlins, enjoying their best season in years, can be seen the same night for as little as $4, before fees.
