Inter Miami CF co-owner Jorge Mas has shed light on the enormous financial impact of Lionel Messi on the American franchise. And for the club’s executive, one thing is clear: the Argentine superstar “is worth every penny.”
Speaking in comments reported by Bloomberg, Mas explained that the club’s economic model relies heavily on major partnerships to offset the costs associated with signing the World Cup champion. “The reason I need sponsors — and world-class sponsors — is because players are expensive. I pay Messi, and he’s worth every penny, but it’s between $70 and $80 million per year when you count everything,” he said.
A Unique Financial Deal Boosting Messi’s Earnings
This figure is far higher than the official Major League Soccer numbers for 2025, which listed Messi’s salary at around $12 million. The gap is explained by an unprecedented clause negotiated when he joined the club in 2023. Messi reportedly receives a percentage linked to the valuation of the Florida-based franchise.
The “Messi effect” has been spectacular. Before the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner arrived, Inter Miami was valued at around $585 million. Today, the franchise is estimated to be worth nearly $1.35 billion. The share allocated to the Argentine captain is now believed to be worth roughly $60 million.
Messi’s contract also includes commercial partnerships with Apple, which broadcasts the league through MLS Season Pass, and Fanatics, a global sports merchandising giant. These additional revenues are not included in the estimates mentioned by Jorge Mas. Since arriving in Florida in 2023 as part of a project notably backed by David Beckham, Messi has continued to transform both the economy and the global image of MLS.
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