How Lionel Messi changed the fate of MLS after signing with Inter Miami?
Argentinian ace Lionel Messi and his influence is absolutely crazy. From the most liked photo to most Ballon D’or awards, Messi has done it all. If you simply type “most liked photo on Instagram”, you will see Messi’s name 5 times in the Top 10 itself.
His picture holding the World cup trophy broke the record set by a picture of Egg on Instagram. The photos he posted on Instagram in December 2022 has received more than 70 Million likes, (75.7 Millions to be precise). But his influence doesn’t stop there.
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After seeing out his 2-year contract with PSG after joining the French side in 2021, Lionel Messi first kept the whole wondering about his next step before exploding the footballing world once again as he revealed his intentions to join Inter Miami.
His transfer to the MLS outfit will not just have a significant impact on the league but it has also changed the fate of Inter Miami completely.
Here are 5 reasons why the influence of Lionel Messi is bonkers
Inter Miami and Leo Messi fans are ready to welcome him! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/rI1a9NlNrK
— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) July 11, 2023
- When Lionel Messi signed for Inter Miami, ticket prices of the club’s matches skyscraped by 1000%. Moreover, Inter Miami fans are eagerly waiting to see Messi play in the United States and tickets for most of the David Beckham owned club have been sold out. For example, Miami’s season opener against Cruz Azul had ticket prices of $29(INR 2,400) but after Messi’s arrival the same tickets went to $329(INR 27,000) meaning a surge of 1,034%.
- It was not just the Club project or the money that lured Lionel Messi to the club. Tech giants Apple who are the official broadcasters of MLS matches assured to give shares to Messi from the new subscribers this season. Sports apparel brand Adidas who are Messi’s sponsors also helped Inter Miami broker the Argentinian’s move to Miami and they will also share merchandise sale profits to the 7-time Ballon D’or winner.
- It doesn’t stop there, the 36-year-old is also set to acquire one-third of Inter Miami which is co-owned and operated by David Beckham. It is the same type of deal that lured Beckham to MLS when he signed for LA Galaxy in 2007. Although he signed as a Free agent, Leo Messi will pocket a sum of $125 Million to $150 Million over a period of 2.5 years with an option to extend for another year.
- David Beckham invested $25 Million when he acquired stakes at Inter Miami, however, after striking a deal with Messi, the club’s net worth increased to $600 Million.
- Before the 36-year-old was announced as a new Inter Miami signing, the club only had 1 Million followers but as soon as Messi’s arrival was confirmed, their following on Instagram increased by over 6 Million and they currently have 8.6 Million followers which is more than the following of any other MLS, MLB, NFL and NHL outfit.
LIONEL MESSI HAS ARRIVED IN SOUTH FLORIDA TO MAKE HIS INTER MIAMI MOVE OFFICIAL ☀️
(via @SC_ESPN) pic.twitter.com/lgpKN3XeGN
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 11, 2023
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