Already Profited $70 Million, Lionel Messi’s Influence Spurs Inter Miami Director’s Ambition to Sets Sights on $200 Million Goal

There isn’t a single aspect in which Inter Miami hasn’t experienced growth since the arrival of Lionel Messi. The Argentinian superstar has single-handedly transformed the team’s fortunes, bolstering its image, and significantly impacting its financial standing. Even though the Herons have profited around $70 million, the David Beckham-owned club aims to reach ‘another level’ of success in the presence of La Pulga. 

“Leo takes you to another level,” says Xavier Asensi, general director at Inter Miami, while speaking with Forbes about whether the transfer of Messi has attracted more brands. While the ‘partners’ may vary as per their demand, the Florida-based club chief is happy with the team’s current progression. “With the arrival of Messi, we have gone from having a budget of just over 60 million to ending up billing around 125 or 130,” said Asensi. Yet, the dream to achieve a bigger number stays.  

“This year I hope we will go on to bill about 200 million dollars or more. An outrage to have a temporary stage,” said Asensi. Interestingly, having arrived from FC Barcelona in 2021, Asensi believes there is a major scope for improvement for Miami, whose most recent collaboration involves a prominent global entity like Visa. “We are very happy with this sponsorship. It is a matter not only of quantity but of quality. We are looking for those ‘partners’ that will take us to another level and there are also obviously ‘Royal Caribbean’ and ‘JPMorgan Chase’,” he explained.

Seems like Inter Miami is looking to roll around in the dough a bit more in the presence of Messi. In fact, the Fort Lauderdale side has done even better with the World Cup winner than Barcelona has done with their iconic player over decades. 

Inter Miami has accomplished more than what FC Barcelona did with Lionel Messi 

In a similar interview, Xavier Asensi was questioned about Inter Miami’s potential to rival prominent European clubs in terms of global appeal, while considering their frequent tours. Interestingly, the general director replied, “It is exactly like that. I have been at Barça for eleven years, I was the CCO there, also with Leo. What Inter Miami can earn on a pre-season tour is above what a professional soccer club has ever earned.” 

Yet, there are several factors involved that Asensi highlighted. Major European clubs typically conduct their tours during the summer, while Miami can schedule theirs during periods when no other clubs at that level can, such as January or February. Either way, it’s quite impressive that Inter Miami, who was sitting at $60 million, saw a profit of an extra $70 million to reach the $130 million mark. Can they double it to reach their dream figure? Only time will tell.