EXCLUSIVE: Pulisic 'best I've ever been' ahead of Copa America

MLS Power Rankings: Messi & Miami fall as RSL & Cincy climb

Transfers LIVE: Bayern interested in Chelsea star Colwill

UEFA Euro 2024 Winner Odds: England Favorites to Lift Trophy

The Rondo: USMNT questions, Euro 2024 predictions, TST recap

Hungary vs Switzerland Predictions and Betting Tips: Entertaining Affair in the Offing 

Spain vs Croatia Predictions and Betting Tips: Cagey Clash in Prospect

Arsenal's PL 2024-25 fixtures to be released

Slovenia vs Denmark Predictions and Betting Tips: Underdogs Can Shine in Euro 2024 Clash

Italy vs Albania Predictions and Betting Tips: Shock Result in Group of Death 

Serbia vs England Predictions and Betting Tips: Three Lions to Get a Roaring Start

Ten Hag makes three big demands before signing new Man Utd deal

How to watch 'Tank' Davis vs Frank Martin live

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Messi joined the Herons last summer</li><li>Led Miami to the Leagues Cup title</li><li>Continues his incredible form in MLS 2024</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Deal of the Year! Inter Miami pick up business award for landing Lionel Messi on free transfer from PSG

Major League Soccer

Inter Miami CF

Columbus Crew

Nearly a year into the Messi era, Inter Miami <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/world-cup-final-mls-training-lionel-messi-win-every-game-inter-miami-robert-taylor-explains-argentine-goat/blt7da9315808b3b61a" target="_blank">continue to soar to new heights</a>. The team has reached significant milestones, both in sporting achievements and commercial success and at the 2024 Sports Business Journal Awards in New York, Inter Miami outshone three reigning major sports champions, including the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, MLB's Texas Rangers, NHL's Vegas Golden Knights, and the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves, to win Team of the Year, while Messi's signing was celebrated with the Deal of the Year award.Messi's arrival came just months after he led Argentina to a historic World Cup victory, making his move to South Florida one of the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/david-beckham-doesn-t-see-himself-lionel-messi-boss-inter-miami-co-owner-still-can-t-believe-goat-mls-project/bltd0b098c9921e16aa" target="_blank">most high-profile transfers</a> in football history. The impact of Messi's presence was felt almost immediately, as he guided a previously struggling Inter Miami team to the Leagues Cup title within weeks of his debut. On the field, Messi proved to be a game-changer, but his influence extended far beyond his performance during matches.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The acquisition of Messi has had a transcendent effect on Inter Miami and MLS, drawing worldwide attention to the league and positioning soccer prominently within the United States. Inter Miami were the most googled sports team in 2023, and Messi's jersey became the best-selling item in MLS. The club's social media presence has also surged, with Inter Miami's Instagram account now being the third most followed sports team account in the United States, trailing only the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

An excited MLS commissioner Don Garber said: "The signing of Leo Messi was a game-changer, raising the profile of not just the club but of MLS and the entire sport in North America. Jorge Mas, Jose Mas and David Beckham believed in MLS and made an unprecedented investment in the greatest player to ever play the beautiful game.”

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

Inter Miami won the Deal of the Year award by outshining other notable deals such as Josh Harris &amp; Co's acquisition of the NFL’s Washington Commanders, the merger of UFC and WWE into TKO Group Holdings, and other media rights agreements signed by NASCAR, the NCAA, and the National Women’s Soccer League, respectively.

DID YOU KNOW?

Messi continues to fire on all cylinders for Miami and boasts of having 12 goals and 11 assists in just 13 appearances across competitions this campaign. However, he is likely to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionel-messi-frustration-50000-fans-canada-vancouver-whitecaps-inter-miami-without-captain-luis-suarez-sergio-busquets/bltf6417bbb0f64eba4#csf530106a3cef4b05" target="_blank">sit out the next game against Vancouver</a> on Saturday evening, much to the disappointment of the Canadian fans.

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

Deal of the Year! Inter Miami pick up business award for landing Lionel Messi on free transfer from PSG | Goal.com US

Inter Miami bagged the Deal of the Year award for bringing on board Lionel Messi in 2023 as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain.