The Arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami CF will certainly become a milestone in the history of American soccer. In just a few games, the Argentine icon has already showcased his magic on the field, scoring goals and creating opportunities for his team. However, the Messi phenomenon goes beyond the four lines, positively influencing all aspects of the club.
In the digital world, the impact was immediate and astonishing. Inter Miami’s Instagram account saw an incredible increase in followers, jumping from 1 million to 13 million in less than two months after the announcement of Messi’s signing. This 1200% growth is impressive and shows how Messi’s presence attracted the attention of millions of fans worldwide. The club now ranks as the fourth most-followed North American franchise on Instagram, trailing only giants like the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Comparing with Brazilian clubs, Inter Miami has surpassed traditional names like Corinthians, São Paulo, and Palmeiras in terms of followers, ranking second only to the mighty Flamengo. This growth in digital reach is valuable both for the club and potential commercial partners, who now have the opportunity to reach a global audience.
Speaking of partnerships, Messi’s presence has also generated significant interest from brands looking to sponsor the club. Currently, Inter Miami has 40 commercial partners, and club executives report a high demand for sponsorships. However, they are aware of the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity. Messi’s arrival undoubtedly adds value to the club’s brand and opens doors for strategic and long-lasting partnerships.
Another crucial aspect is the increase in average attendance and ticket demand. Messi’s presence at Inter Miami matches has become an unmissable attraction, naturally leading to higher ticket prices. Fans are willing to pay exorbitant amounts to watch the idol in action, and this has boosted the club’s revenues.
Speaking of revenues, the projections for the future are equally impressive. Franchise owners like Jorge Mas believe that Messi’s arrival will double the club’s revenues in the next 12 months. Forbes estimates that revenues in 2023 will surpass the $100 million mark, a significant increase from the $56 million earned in 2022. Moreover, the estimated value of the franchise has jumped from $600 million to $1.5 billion, showing how Messi has elevated the club to a new level of valuation.
The arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami CF is not just the signing of a great player but a transformative event that has propelled the club in all directions. The Messi phenomenon has brought on-field success, exponential growth in the digital world, advantageous commercial partnerships, increased ticket sales, and an optimistic financial outlook for the future of the club. Inter Miami and its fans are enjoying a unique moment in the history of American soccer, with Messi serving as the catalyst for a new era of success for the franchise.