Bringing Lionel Messi to Miami has been a game-changing decision. David Beckham and Inter Miami’s majority owner Jorge Jesus are raking in millions from the deal. In a recent interview, Xavier Asensi talks about all the changing aspects in the club after the transfer of Messi. Asensi’s claims regarding the financial growth of the club might just turn into reality.
Xavier Asensi previously worked with FC Barcelona for 11 years before becoming the Chief Business Officer at Inter Miami. Asensi sheds light on the many aspects that have enjoyed financial gains after the arrival of Messi. Let’s dig further to know what changes are happening at Miami.
Lionel Messi comes to Inter Miami and changes their fortune
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Lionel Messi has changed the dynamics of Inter Miami. The club was in dismay before Messi signed for the club. It was a long and tedious process for Asensi to get the Argentine to the club. As per Marca, the Florida club generated $56 million in 2022 and if the CBO’s predictions are correct, Miami will rake in $224 million in profits.
Asensi was sure about what Messi would bring to the club, he said, “And while football is a business, it’s primarily about the players. If what happens on the field is good, the business grows. Therefore, there was no better business move than getting Messi, who is the all-time No.1.”
There was a lot of competition to sign Messi. After leaving PSG, the 5x Ballon d’Or winner was approached by Saudi Arabia though his first preference has always been Barcelona. After Barcelona failed to sign Messi, the doors were open for Inter Miami.
The rest is history. The team’s run in the Leagues Cup was phenomenal and they have also qualified for the Open Cup final. Inter Miami didn’t just sign Messi, they signed the many factors that come with him. From shirt sales to filling the stadiums, there is plenty going on behind the scenes.
Inter Miami’s next fixture and the club’s business plans for the future
Lionel Messi signed with Inter Miami on a two-and-a-half-year contract. Having changed the club in popularity, business, and game, there are many years to go and many more success stories to achieve. The team now needs to focus on their MLS run. Inter Miami is 14th in the MLS League standings and they have to reach 9th position to reach the final series playoffs.
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In the upcoming matches, Gerardo Martino will look to rest Lionel Messi as they also have the Open Cup games to prepare for. Tata Martino has been very clear to the fans and the team that they cannot always rely on Messi. The squad needs to stand their ground and fight for the win with or without the presence of their talisman.
As for the business plans, the club is planning to build a new stadium named “Freedom Park Stadium” which will be opened to the fans by 2025. It will increase the seating capacity by 30,000.
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With the World Cup in sight, the preparations will be at full scale. Who do you think Inter Miami should sign next? Let us know in the comments.