Since the Argentine world star Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in mid-July 2023, the MLS club has more than doubled its revenue, reports ESPN.
The year before Messi joined Miami, the club generated 50-60 million dollars. In 2023, revenue increased to 120-130 million dollars, and in 2024, the club is expected to earn 200 million dollars, or approximately two billion Swedish kronor.
The increased revenue comes from a large number of sponsorship agreements, an unprecedented demand for tickets, and a successful sale of match jerseys and other souvenirs.
When Messi was recruited for 150 million dollars, the club, owned by, among others, David Beckham, expected it to pay off. Messi has also achieved sporting success in Miami, which, with several weeks to spare, became the first team to qualify for the playoffs in the American football league.