‘Reality has surpassed fiction’ – Lionel Messi to make MLS history as Inter Miami set Deloitte Football Money League target

The Florida-based outfit have enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence since Manchester United legend David Beckham and his fellow co-owners delivered an expansion franchise in 2020. They now have eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi on their books, and a first trophy in the cabinet after winning the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2023.

Inter Miami have seen revenue rise to a club-record $120 million (£95m) in 2023 – more than double what they posted 12 months ago – and the plan is to smash through the $200m (£158m) barrier. The club’s chief business officer, Xavier Asensi, has also aired ambitious plans to break into the top 20 of the prestigious Deloitte Football Money League.

No team from the Americas has ever achieved that feat but, with Messi on board, anything is possible. Asensi has told the Sports Business Journal: “If you have the right players, the business and the interest is there. It’s not a matter of the future — it’s happening right now.” Inter Miami could break into the top 25 as early as next year, with their star very much on the rise.

Messi is allowing Inter Miami to live the dream, with audiences across the United States flocking to catch a glimpse of him in action – while Apple TV are benefitting considerably from subscription pass sales. The all-time great has already delivered on and off the field – exceeding all expectations – with Asensi adding: “Reality has surpassed fiction. We were aiming really high, and I think that we are there or higher.”