a The new season of Major League Soccer is about to begin, but it has already brought about some changes related to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.
The truth is that not only has the Argentine star’s presence in David Beckham’s team had a huge impact on soccer fans, but in addition to the growth of the sport and competition, Inter Miami has become the most valuable franchise of the 30 teams that make up MLS.
Inter Miami, the most valuable club in the league
Since Lionel Messi arrived at Inter Miami in July 2023, the club has won four titles. He won the League Cup in 2023, the MLS Supporters Shield in 2024, and led the team to the MLS Cup Eastern Conference title at the end of 2025, becoming the first Major League Soccer champion in club history.
This allowed the team to make a historic leap in 2026, not only on the field and against rivals, but also off the field, especially in terms of the club’s economic, commercial and media value.
According to Sportico, Inter Miami’s valuation is now $1.45 billion, an increase of 22% compared to 2025, surpassing Son Heung-min’s Los Angeles FC (currently valued at $1.4 billion), which has topped the rankings for the past four years.
The truth is that Messi’s presence has helped increase worldwide recognition and double revenue from ticket sales, merchandising, commercial rights and sponsorships. The club’s previous valuation before his arrival was $585 million.
In addition, the “Messi effect” encouraged the arrival of star players like Rodrigo de Paul, Sergio Busquets and Luis Surez who were willing to play alongside Leo, strengthening the quality of the team and leading to great collective victories such as the MLS Cup.
Another factor contributing to Inter’s growth, which was founded in 2018 and began competing in 2020, was the construction of a new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, scheduled for completion in 2026.
Rounding out the top five, behind Inter Miami and LAFC, are the Los Angeles Galaxy with $1.17 billion (up 5%), Atlanta United with $1.14 billion (up 6%) and New York City FC with $1.12 billion (up 12%).
Leo finished a great individual year at Inter Miami, winning the MVP and the Golden Boot. Furthermore, with the World Cup approaching, it is no surprise that he would want to defend the title he won with Argentina in 2022. However, he revealed that he is still evaluating his participation in the tournament and that his decision will depend on his fitness.
Now preparing for the 2026 season, Leo and Inter Miami know that there will be some changes starting in 2025. They must defend their title, but the new stadium has been completed and big names such as Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are no longer there.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s preseason has already begun with three friendlies outside the United States. The team is currently preparing to face Independiente del Valle at the Banco Guayaquil Stadium on February 13th, and the season will open on February 21st with an away match against Los Angeles FC in MLS Round 1 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
