• Loading stock data...
Monday, December 22, 2025
Breakfast Ball is heading to San Francisco with hosts Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. Request to Attend

Messi Business Still Growing Despite Inter Miami’s Slim Playoff Hopes

  • Inter Miami will likely miss the playoffs this season but will be among the 2024 championship favorites.
  • Season ticket demand is skyrocketing as fans anticipate a full season with Messi.
Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Inter Miami has four games left to pull off a miracle and make the MLS Cup Playoffs, but Lionel Messi is still dealing with a nagging leg injury. Some projections give Miami just a 6% chance at succeeding even with him.

But after Messi’s incredible debut run in MLS, leading Inter Miami to the first-ever Leagues Cup title — interest is still high in the club that will certainly be among the favorites to win a championship in 2024.

Inter Miami season ticket prices for next year are reportedly close to double what they cost in some sections this year. Current season ticket holders are reviewing their options for 2024. Additionally, season ticket applications have reportedly surged by 1,215%.

In the meantime, fans with tickets to Inter Miami’s remaining matches — two home, two away — are left wondering whether they will get a glimpse of Messi as he recovers. The Chicago Fire, who host Miami on Wednesday night, have been anticipating four times more fans than they typically see for home matches. 

Final Farewell

Barcelona could get an official goodbye-to-Messi match in the coming years, so the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner can play in front of his longtime fans one last time.

“Inter Miami will go [to Barcelona] or we will have some kind of match,” Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said. “Messi’s departure from Barcelona was not to his liking.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLS Cup Surges to Record 4.6M Viewers As Nielsen Sorts Data Issues

Viewership spikes for the league’s championship event.
Messi

MLS Signals New Openness to Promotion and Relegation 

Commissioner Don Garber says “there’s no real point in saying never.”
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Dec 5, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; United States of America President Donald Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney watch from the stands during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

World Cup Draw Is Set, With U.S. to Play Paraguay First

The U.S. is grouped with Australia, Paraguay, and a European playoff winner.

Garber Signals MLS’s Next Chapter As Owners Begin Succession Process

MLS owners begin a formal planning process regarding several key positions.

Featured Today

How Pickleball Became One Massive Private-Equity Rollup

Pickleball roads lead back to billionaire Tom Dundon.
Dec 9, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles against Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) during the first half at the 2025-26 NBA Emirates Cup at Scotiabank Arena
December 13, 2025

The Lucrative NBA Cup Is Here to Stay

The in-season tournament, launched in 2023, is turning into a staple.
The Los Angeles Chargers host executives from UCLA Health on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
December 7, 2025

The Multibillion-Dollar Business of Pro Athlete Recovery

What started as ice baths has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry.
Big League Wiffle Ball
November 29, 2025

Celebrity-Backed Wiffle Ball Has Big-League Aspirations

Big League Wiffle Ball team owners include Kevin Costner and David Adelman.
Tilman Fertitta

Rockets Owners in Talks to Buy and Move WNBA’s Sun

The Rockets lost out on WNBA expansion but want the Sun.
Dec 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) congratulates defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) on his goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at PPG Paints Arena.
December 18, 2025

Penguins Sale Would End a Disappointing 4-Year Run Under FSG

An ownership era with high hopes has been marked with underachievement.
Dec 18, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at Lumen Field.
December 19, 2025

Seahawks Clinch Playoff Spot As $100M Sam Darnold Deal Pays Off

Seattle signed the free-agent quarterback last offseason.
Sponsored

Brian Hoyer: Patriots Lessons, NIL Chaos & His Post-NFL Career

The former Patriots QB talks to FOS about college football’s radical transformation.
Knicks
December 17, 2025

Knicks Won’t Hang NBA Cup Banner After All

The Lakers and Bucks both raised banners after winning the tournament.
Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban discusses the Texas Tech football game vs. BYU on College GameDay, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
December 16, 2025

Nick Saban Joins Nashville Predators Ownership Group

It’s Saban’s first sports ownership stake.
Sep 18, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the ninth inning at Citi Field.
December 16, 2025

Dodgers Buying and Winning Now, but Still Owe $1B to 9 Players

The contract for reliever Edwin Díaz extends an aggressive, pay-later strategy.
December 16, 2025

Pegula’s Sabres Hit Reset (Again) While His Bills Keep Winning

The long-suffering NHL team retools its hockey operations.