da roleta： Lionel Messi’s impact at Inter Miami means “reality has surpassed fiction”, with the MLS outfit now looking to make Football Money League history.

da bwin： Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Argentine icon chasing the American dreamImpact made on and off the fieldRevenue on the rise at DRV PNK Stadium

WHAT HAPPENED?

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.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

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.

DID YOU KNOW?

No team from the Americas has ever achieved that feat but, with Messi on board, anything is possible. Asensi has told the : “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.

Getty/Apple TV+WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI & INTER MIAMI?

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.”