Since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, the phrase “Messi-mania” has become a fixture in American football circles. Yet even club co-owner David Beckham could hardly have predicted that this frenzy would extend far beyond stadium cheers and soaring jersey sales.
The Argentine superstar’s presence has transformed the US sporting landscape almost overnight. Crowds are no longer comprised solely of devoted football fans; Hollywood celebrities and high-profile figures now fill the stands, signalling that football in America has evolved from a niche sport into a mainstream entertainment spectacle.
Over the past two and a half years, Messi’s dominance has been evident both on and off the pitch. A club that had never previously tasted silverware has now lifted three major trophies under his leadership, including the coveted 2025 MLS Cup. Success on the field has been mirrored in the boardroom: for the first time in history, Inter Miami—nicknamed “The Herons”—has become the most valuable franchise among Major League Soccer’s 30 teams.
According to sports economics outlet Sportico, Inter Miami’s estimated valuation at the start of the 2026 season will reach $1.45 billion, equivalent to approximately 17,400 crore Bangladeshi Taka. This meteoric rise has seen them overtake Los Angeles FC, which is now valued at $1.4 billion, down from the top spot. Over the past year alone, Inter Miami’s market value surged nearly 22 per cent, compared with LAFC’s modest 9 per cent growth.
Top Five Most Valuable MLS Clubs (2026)
| Rank | Club | Valuation (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inter Miami | 1.45 billion |
| 2 | Los Angeles FC | 1.40 billion |
| 3 | LA Galaxy | 1.17 billion |
| 4 | Atlanta United | 1.14 billion |
| 5 | New York City FC | 1.12 billion |
The club’s rise is not solely attributable to Messi’s brilliance. Strategic planning, marketing initiatives, and the impending inauguration of a state-of-the-art stadium have added significant value to the franchise. Such infrastructure developments are expected to enhance both revenue streams and long-term asset worth.
Across MLS, the average club valuation now stands at $767 million, a 39 per cent increase since Sportico began its assessments in 2021. Collectively, the league’s 30 teams are now worth roughly $23 billion. However, compared with the wealth of clubs in the NFL or NBA, MLS still trails behind significantly. Among the 154 teams in America’s five major professional leagues, Inter Miami ranks 116th in value. By contrast, NFL heavyweight Dallas Cowboys tops the list at $128 billion, while NBA powerhouse Golden State Warriors sits at $113 billion.
With all figures tallied, attention now turns to the pitch. The 2026 MLS season kicks off on 21 February, with Inter Miami facing Los Angeles FC in the opening match—a showdown between the league’s two richest and most high-profile clubs. Messi’s Herons will be eager to translate their financial and sporting momentum into early-season triumph.