Messi Effect: Inter Miami Continues to Boost Its Earnings After the World Cup

Since Lionel Messi landed in Florida in 2023 to play for Inter Miami, the franchise has become one of the major economic powers in Major League Soccer, multiplying its revenues, business value, and the appeal of its sponsorship portfolio, a fact that was further enhanced after the 2026 World Cup.

Messi's arrival in Miami transformed the entity both on the field and economically. Since January, Inter Miami has signed 13 sponsorship agreements, including new partners, renewals, and extensions. In recent days, the club added number 14 to its list by announcing a long-term deal with Marriott Bonvoy, the rewards platform of the international hotel chain of the same name. The duration and financial terms of the alliance were not disclosed.

The agreement marks Marriott Bonvoy's first foray with an MLS club, becoming the official partner of Inter Miami in the hotel and loyalty program categories, with a VIP entrance, prominent brand presence at the Nu Stadium, the club's home, and the possibility for Marriott Bonvoy members to use their reward points for club experiences, such as VIP suites and pre-match access.

Marriott Bonvoy will also become a founding partner of Miami Freedom Park, the mixed-use complex valued at $1 billion where the Inter Miami stadium is located. It joins Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Baptist Health, and Modelo, who already share this role in the 131-acre commercial area. Nu Bank, Royal Caribbean, Lowe's, and Florida Blue are listed on the project's website as main partners.

Since Lionel Messi arrived at Inter Miami, the franchise has become one of the major economic powers in Major League Soccer.

This agreement continues the commercial renaissance that Inter Miami has experienced since 2023, when Messi signed with the Florida franchise. His arrival transformed a mid-level club into a financial powerhouse, boosting ticket sales, creating new business opportunities such as lucrative world tours, and enhancing its sponsorship portfolio.

The figure that best reflects this transformation is in the club's revenues. Inter Miami went from generating $55 million in 2022, the season before Messi's signing, to reaching $215 million in 2025. This represents a growth of $160 million and an increase of around 291% in just three years.

And the growth has not yet peaked. The entity is moving towards local revenues of $250 million, a figure that would represent $195 million more than before the Argentine's arrival and would multiply the 2022 revenue by more than four.

All of this has placed the club at the top of the MLS economic valuation, with an estimated business value of $1.45 billion.

Star signings are also not stopping. The latest to be announced was Casemiro. The Brazilian joins Suárez and De Paul as the main "scuderos" of the Argentine star. Retired players Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also played a part in this strategic transformation.

Additionally, the inauguration of the Nu Stadium, with a capacity for 26,700 spectators, will allow the franchise to directly control a larger portion of its commercial revenues after six seasons playing in a temporary venue.

This content is provided for general informational purposes only and doesn't constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Any events, rewards, online promotions, or related information mentioned herein should not be considered a recommendation, solicitation, or invitation to purchase, sell, trade, or otherwise deal in any crypto assets. Crypto assets are highly volatile and may result in loss. The availability of WEEX services, products, and related events may vary by region. You are responsible for ensuring that your participation is in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.