Inter Miami Revenue Surges 260% in Three Years Since Messi's Arrival, Valued at $1.35 Billion
Recently, Forbes named Inter Miami FC the most valuable club in Major League Soccer (MLS), with a valuation of $1.35 billion, surpassing LAFC for the first time to top the list.
In 2025, Inter Miami generated $200 million in revenue, up 13% year-over-year, with an operating profit of $50 million. Club Chief Business Officer Xavier Asensi revealed that the club's revenue in 2022 was $56 million, and projected 2026 revenue to reach $250 million, adding: "If you strip out broadcast revenue, we rank 17th globally, which is crazy."
In an interview with The Times, he attributed this historic breakthrough to the arrival of Messi (Lionel Messi) in July 2023.
He said: "It's not just about Lionel Messi, but Leo is the catalyst for many things. For a club that has only been around for six years to become number one for the first time is mind-blowing."
Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023, and in December 2025, he led the team to their first league title. In the second round of the 2026 new season, the captain scored twice to help the team beat Orlando City 4-2, securing their first win of the season.
Inter Miami is co-owned by David Beckham and American billionaire brothers Jorge Mas and Jose Mas. In 2014, Beckham purchased the rights to an MLS expansion team at a discounted price of approximately $16 million, as part of the financial agreement he signed when he transferred to LA Galaxy in 2007. In 2018, Inter Miami officially became the 25th MLS team and began play in 2020.
Messi is the highest-paid player in MLS, with a guaranteed annual salary of £15.2 million. His arrival has significantly boosted the club's commercial value, increasing ticket sales, expanding the sponsor roster, and making the pink Euforia jersey a distinctive icon. Xavier Asensi revealed that the jersey sponsor XBTO's contract includes a clause: if the club signs a Ballon d'Or winner, they will receive higher sponsorship support.
He said: "Back in 2021, someone had to consider that and sign off on it. Leo is the catalyst, or the key figure that allowed this to flourish. But of course, we also needed to plant the seeds in advance."
Currently, three of the top five highest-paid players in MLS play for Inter Miami. The team's wage bill last year was approximately £36.3 million.
In October 2025, Messi confirmed he had extended his contract with the club through the 2028 season.
In April this year, the team will move into a new stadium at Freedom Park in Miami, with a capacity of 25,000, expected to further boost ticket sales and commercial expansion.
Xavier Asensi said: "We want to win more titles, continue to maximize revenue, and strive to become the most valuable team in the country and even globally. We will continue to bring in quality players to help Messi keep winning, while also thinking about how to build for the future core and how to leverage the existing platform to drive the club's brand development."
Forbes' Top 10 Most Valuable Clubs in Major League Soccer:
1. Inter Miami - $1.35 billion
2. LAFC - $1.32 billion
3. LA Galaxy - $1.08 billion
4. New York City FC - $1.02 billion
5. Atlanta United - $1 billion
6. Seattle Sounders - $860 million
7. Austin FC - $855 million
8. Columbus Crew - $805 million
9. FC Cincinnati - $800 million
10. San Diego FC - $795 million
｜Sources: Forbes, MARCA, Inter Miami official website
｜Image credits: Inter Miami official Facebook, David Beckham personal website