Key Highlights
- MLS commissioner Don Garber claimed that Lionel Messi has “reset the trajectory” of the league.
- Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami coincided with a 5.5% year-on-year drop in average MLS attendances.
- The club’s valuation increased from around $600 million to $1.2 billion following Messi’s signing.
- Inter Miami faced sparse attendance during their playoff opener against Nashville SC.
Messi’s Arrival and Its Impact on Major League Soccer
The arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami has been a significant event in the history of Major League Soccer (MLS). Commissioner Don Garber, speaking ahead of the team’s playoff opener against Nashville SC, declared that Messi had “reset the trajectory” for the league. However, the reality on the ground paints a more nuanced picture.
Achievements and Praise
Garber was effusive in his praise, noting that they “never could have imagined” how successful Messi would be with the club, city, and league. The Argentine captain’s 29 goals during the regular season were celebrated with a Golden Boot award. He added two more during Inter Miami’s opening playoff game, contributing to a 3–1 victory.
Garber’s optimism was further bolstered by Messi’s decision to extend his stay in south Florida until 2028, promising “another gift” for the league and the club.
Challenges and Criticisms
The claim that Messi has reset the trajectory of MLS is met with skepticism when considering broader trends. John Muller’s analysis in The Guardian highlights a 5.5% year-on-year drop in average MLS attendances, suggesting that while individual teams like Inter Miami have benefited from Messi’s presence, the league as a whole faces challenges.
Even with the star player on board, Inter Miami experienced sparse attendance during their playoff opener at Chase Stadium. The venue was filled with empty seats, and tickets were available for as little as $28 two hours before kickoff, indicating limited demand despite the high-profile match.
Economic Impact
From a financial standpoint, Messi’s impact has been significant. Before his arrival, Inter Miami was valued at around $600 million. As of 2025, that valuation has doubled to $1.2 billion according to Forbes.
Additionally, revenues have seen an upward trend as well.
However, the wealth generated by Messi’s presence is not evenly distributed throughout MLS. While Inter Miami enjoys a boost in revenue and increased valuations, other teams and the league at large may not share in these benefits. This disparity raises questions about the long-term sustainability of relying on high-profile signings to drive growth.
Conclusion
Messi’s impact on MLS is multifaceted and complex. While his presence has undoubtedly brought positive changes for Inter Miami, broader trends suggest that the league faces challenges in terms of attendance and financial distribution. As Messi continues his tenure with the team until 2028, it will be crucial to monitor how these dynamics evolve and whether they can lead to a sustainable future for Major League Soccer.
