Title: How Messi’s Move to Inter Miami Transformed MLS
Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has made a historic move to Inter Miami, the MLS club co-owned by David Beckham. The deal, which was finalized in June 2023, has generated unprecedented excitement and attention for the league and the club.
Messi's contract with Inter Miami is reportedly worth between $50 million and $60 million a year, making him the highest-paid player in MLS history. The contract also includes equity in the club once he retires, as well as bonuses and endorsements.
The Argentinian star made his debut for Inter Miami on July 21, 2023, in a Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul, a Mexican club. The match was broadcasted live on ESPN and attracted a record-breaking audience of 4.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen ratings. The match also sold out the DRV PNK Stadium, which had expanded its capacity to 22,000 seats to accommodate the demand for tickets.
Messi's arrival has also boosted the viewership and revenue for MLS in general. According to Forbes, the league's average attendance increased by 15% in 2023, reaching 25,000 fans per game. The league's average TV ratings also increased by 20%, reaching 500,000 viewers per game. The league's total revenue increased by 25%, reaching $1 billion in 2023.
Messi's impact on Inter Miami and MLS is comparable to that of LeBron James on the NBA when he joined the Miami Heat in 2010. James helped the Heat win two championships and four conference titles, while also increasing the league's popularity and profitability.
Messi, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 and six Ballon d'Or awards in his career, is widely regarded as one of the best players ever to play the game. He spent 21 years at FC Barcelona, where he won 35 trophies and scored 672 goals. He moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, where he won the Champions League and the Ligue 1 title. He decided to join Inter Miami in 2023, after turning down offers from Barcelona and Saudi Arabia.
Messi has said that he chose Inter Miami because he wanted to experience a new challenge and help grow soccer in the United States. He has also praised Beckham for his vision and ambition for the club and the league.
Inter Miami, which was founded in 2018 and joined MLS in 2020, has become one of the most successful and popular clubs in the league. The club has attracted several high-profile players, such as Gonzalo Higuain, Blaise Matuidi, Rodolfo Pizarro, and now Messi. The club has also built a loyal fan base and a strong brand identity.
Inter Miami is currently competing for the MLS Cup, which is the league's championship trophy. The club is also planning to build a new stadium in Miami by 2025, which will have a capacity of 30,000 seats and a state-of-the-art design.
Messi's move to Inter Miami has been hailed as a milestone for soccer in America and a coup for MLS. The deal has proven that MLS can attract and retain some of the best players in the world, while also expanding its audience and revenue. Messi's presence has also elevated the quality and prestige of the league, making it one of the top soccer leagues in the world.
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