As one of the greatest football players of all time. He has achieved numerous successes throughout his career, including winning multiple Ballon d'Or awards and leading FC Barcelona to numerous victories. Messi's incredible skills, agility, and goal-scoring abilities have mesmerized fans around the world. The anticipation for his arrival in the US is high, as he is expected to bring his unique style of play and elevate the level of competition in Major League Soccer. ... [+] On June 3, 2023, before his final game playing for Paris Saint-Germain, a football player is seen warming up at Parc des Princes in Paris, France, as captured in a photograph taken by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images.
Photo by Brian Lundquist / Unsplash
When Inter Miami has been officially established as a professional soccer team in Major League Soccer.In English, the paragraph can be paraphrased as follows: The managing owner and CEO, Jorge Mas, stated that their club will have a global perspective but will always prioritize their fans in South Florida and represent the best of their community. The addition of Lionel Messi, an exceptional football player and widely recognized figure, to their team is in line with these values that they have been fostering for over five years.
Messi has made the choice to join Inter Miami after playing for two years with Paris Saint-Germain in France's Ligue 1. By selecting Miami, the highly decorated player who has won the Ballon d'Or seven times and is the captain of Argentina's national team, which claimed victory in the FIFA World Cup 2022, has also declined another opportunity.Al-Hilal made an annual offer of $400 million, as reported.He had been considering coming back to FC Barcelona in Spain's La Liga, as well, after playing in Saudi Arabia's Professional League.
Reports indicate Messi is set to sign a playing contract for two and a half years, with a potential extension until 2026. His salary, bonuses, and team ownership will be supplemented by contributions from Apple and Adidas, who are MLS sponsors. Apple will offer a portion of sales from MLS Season Pass subscriptions on Apple TV+, while Adidas will provide a percentage from Inter Miami jersey sales. While the specific terms of the agreement haven't been officially confirmed, it is clear that Messi will be joining the team in "The Magic City."
, the financial aspects of the deal have received the majority of media coverage. This includes how it will affect Inter Miami, the MLS, and the various partners involved both on and off the field. , consider a MARCA report The previous year, a report indicated that Messi's move to Paris Saint-Germain resulted in the club earning over €700 million (equivalent to more than $750 million US). This financial gain was due to new sponsorship agreements, sales of team merchandise and jerseys, ticket sales, and the increased number of followers on PSG's social media channels. Messi's immense popularity globally and his large social media following, with over 470 million followers on Instagram alone, have definitely played a role in the excitement surrounding his arrival. This was evident when he announced his decision on his next club, as Inter Miami's social media platforms experienced a significant surge in followers in just a few hours, more than doubling their follower count from the past five years.
The strong support received by Inter Miami suggests that the team's plans to enlarge their current stadium in Fort Lauderdale by adding around 2,500-3,000 seats, making the total capacity 22,000, are well received. Additionally, the team has plans to open a new soccer-specific stadium at Miami Freedom Park in 2025, which will have a seating capacity of 25,000. It wouldn't be unexpected for the team to organize some matches at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, which has over 65,000 seats.
Inter Miami Messi's Fans Crowd
However, Messi's arrival has a deeper meaning for the city of Miami and its various communities, extending beyond just the sports field and social connections.
Miami, where Messi and his family will live, has evolved beyond its reputation as a place for people to enjoy the sun. In the last ten years, the city has transformed into a hub for arts, culture, and innovation, while still maintaining its appeal and allure. The environment is proud to have one of the most significant increases in employment rates in the nation. Additionally, it has become a hub for various influential individuals such as hedge fund executives, real estate moguls, venture capitalists, and tech entrepreneurs. Furthermore, Miami has established itself as a prominent destination for sports enthusiasts.
Before Messi's announcement, the city had already established itself as a prominent force in the global sports scene. Apart from hosting significant golf and tennis tournaments, the four major professional sports teams in the broader Miami region have been making a notable impact on the local community, fostering a sense of unity among its residents.
The Miami Dolphins achieved international recognition in the 1970s when they went undefeated and won two Super Bowls, establishing themselves as a prominent NFL team. In the following decade, the NBA granted the Miami Heat an expansion franchise, which was led by a group consisting of then-mayor Xavier Suarez, Ted Arison (founder of Carnival Cruise Lines), Zev Buffman (a theater producer), and Billy Cunningham (a member of the NBA Hall of Fame). This significant milestone laid the foundation for Wayne Huizenga, a billionaire entrepreneur, to introduce MLB and NHL expansion franchises to the area. Huizenga's vision went beyond mere team ownership, as he also acquired the regional sports television network, secured stadium naming rights, and created an economic and social sphere centered around the teams and their facilities.
In 2008, Stephen Ross, the chairman of the Related Companies, bought a 50 percent share of the Miami Dolphins and the stadium where they play. The next year, he purchased 95 percent ownership of both properties and started finding innovative ways to make the Dolphins more connected to the community. He brought in famous people with local connections, such as musicians Gloria Estefan and Marc Anthony and tennis players Venus Williams and Serena Williams, to become minority-share owners of the team. He also partnered with musician and Margaritaville entrepreneur Jimmy Buffett to name the stadium. Additionally, he set up art installations and restaurants created by local artists at the venue.
In Miami, sports have long been a significant part of the city's culture. One notable moment was when The Beatles, during their initial tour of the United States, visited the 5th Street Gym. There, they playfully interacted with Olympic gold medalist Cassius Clay (later known as Muhammad Ali) during a training session before he surprised everyone by defeating Sonny Liston and becoming the heavyweight boxing champion. Miami has also been featured in the well-known HBO series. Ballers Starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, a former University of Miami football player who became famous in WWE and then found success in Hollywood, this place has also been the location for numerous NFL Super Bowls and other major sporting events. Additionally, it is currently getting ready to be the host city for FIFA World Cup 2026 football games.
Naturally, the influence of professional sports in Miami goes well beyond providing entertainment and holding cultural importance. The rise of Inter Miami CF, guided by native entrepreneurs Jorge Mas and Jose Mas, alongside renowned international football player David Beckham, demonstrates the city's dedication to attracting worldwide talent and enhancing its cosmopolitan reputation.
The strategy of Inter Miami is in line with Miami's growing reputation as a center for corporate headquarters. Just like the businesses that choose Miami as their base, the soccer club has the ability to draw in talent and innovation from around the world, particularly from Latin America and Europe, and contribute to the local culture in a way that enhances the city's global status. It can have a significant impact on the economic and social progress of the city, particularly in terms of the cosmopolitan atmosphere that Mayor Francis Suarez is fostering. Messi's arrival is expected to take this impact to a whole new level.
Messi's arrival in Miami will have a substantial economic effect that cannot be underestimated. The influx of fans, tourists, and media coverage that will accompany Messi's activities both on and off the field has the potential to greatly enhance Miami's economy. Hotels, restaurants, bars, local establishments, and the tourism industry are all expected to profit from his presence.
However, the societal consequences could be even more significant.
Last year, the Inter Miami CF Foundation Messi Foundation was created to make a positive impact using the power of soccer. The foundation's activities are focused on offering opportunities in sports, education, and food for community members all year round. They also work towards promoting sustainability and helping youth teams and a Unified Team for Special Olympics. These initiatives are in line with Messi's own involvement in community work and charitable commitments. Leo Messi Foundation This paragraph suggests that Messi's experiences with medical challenges during his youth have served as a source of inspiration for him. By incorporating Messi into their community, there is the possibility of bringing significant benefits that go beyond merely economic advantages.
As billions of people worldwide are captivated by the news of Messi's decision to join Inter Miami, the impact on American territory is just starting to become apparent. Over the next few months, as the anticipation builds for Messi's first appearance in an Inter Miami jersey, Miami's transformation from a renowned tourist destination to a hub of global economy, society, and culture is set to undergo a significant change. This pivotal moment aligns with the ambitions of the club's leaders and solidifies Miami's status as a prominent global city.