Inter Miami’s acquisition of Lionel Messi has transformed Major League Soccer (MLS) into a global phenomenon, drawing unprecedented attention and engagement.
The Impact of Messi and Beckham on Miami Soccer
Since Messi joined Inter Miami, the club’s games consistently sell out. Their social media following skyrocketed from two million to an astonishing 50 million. Average attendance in the MLS increased by approximately 20% following Messi’s debut, and global streaming numbers doubled during his first ten matches.
Record-breaking Attendance and Ticket Demand
The demand for tickets has surged due to Messi’s presence. Dynamic pricing strategies have seen ticket prices soar. Previously, tickets averaged around £40, but now they range from £150 to £200 for Inter Miami matches.
- Columbus Crew moved a home game against Inter Miami from Lower.com Field to Huntington Bank Field.
- Huntington Bank Field has a capacity of 60,614, compared to the original 20,371.
- The game was a sellout and marked a single-game attendance record for Crew home matches.
- This event became the largest non-NFL gathering in the stadium’s history.
Financial Growth and Merchandise Sales
The financial implications have been remarkable. Inter Miami’s annual revenue surged from £41 million in 2022 to a projected £160 million by 2024. The ‘Messi effect’ helped the league reach a record attendance of over 11.4 million fans in the 2023-24 season.
Messi’s blockbuster debut contributed to an influx of 300,000 new subscribers for the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, doubling its subscriber base. Additionally, he topped the league’s jersey sales, with merchandise sales experiencing a 41% increase.
Broader Benefits Across the League
The positive impact extends beyond Inter Miami. Other MLS teams reported an additional £63 million generated in ticket sales by hosting matches against Messi’s team. The average ticket price across the league surged by 1,700%, resulting in gate receipts reaching £198 million.
Club executives, including Asensi, emphasize Messi’s irreplaceable role in shaping the future of the league. Initiatives like the Dreams Cup aim to foster young talent and build a legacy capable of attracting other high-caliber players.
The combination of Messi’s presence and Beckham’s role in promoting the sport has illuminated soccer in Miami and revitalized interest in the MLS.
