Thursday, July 9, 2026

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.”

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

The Cheboygan Junior Chiefs held youth soccer games at Gordon Turner Park on Monday, June 22.

USMNT World Cup Flameout Fuels Youth Sports Debate

Critics say the system prices out talent and drives kids away.

Curaçao’s World Cup Goalie Eloy Room Puts Spotlight on the USL

Eloy Room plays for Miami FC in the USL Championship.
Gareth Bale
Exclusive

Gareth Bale Launches Sports Fund, Still Eyeing Cardiff Bid

“It’s about being patient, finding the right club, and the right path for us to take.”

Landon Donovan Thinks World Cup Will Boost MLS

Donovan argues hosting World Cup games will lead owners to spend more.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Record Betting on USMNT Loss, U.S. Soccer Splits Payout, Potential LIV Golf Layoffs, Bieber headlines World Cup halftime

0:00

Featured Today

Pillow Fight Championship

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
June 26, 2026

What We Saw Traveling the U.S. for the World Cup Group Stage

The knockout stage begins Sunday.
June 26, 2026

In an Era of $1,000 Tickets, $10 Watch Parties Bring Fans Together

Stadium watch parties now rival home-game experiences.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) catches a pass against New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) in the first half in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.

Two Bidders Pull Ahead in Seahawks Sale Process

One of the two groups includes at least one former Seahawks player.
July 1, 2026

Celtics Send Jaylen Brown to Sixers in Swap of Huge Contracts

Paul George is set to make $54 million next year.
July 6, 2026

Chicago Sky Shuffle Practice Venues As Facility Delay Continues

Chicago has not given a firm opening date for their practice facility.
Sponsored

Josh Childress: Why Now Is the Time for NBA Expansion

Josh Childress on why he invested in the Portland Thorns, the case for NBA expansion, and donating to Stanford NIL.
June 24, 2026

Cardinals Shake Up Front Office in Long-Term Leadership Plan

Club owner Bill DeWitt Jr. begins to prepare the club for life without him.
Jan 22, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Washington Spirit team owner Michele Kang talks to media during a press conference at BMO Stadium.
June 24, 2026

Michele Kang to Buy Lyon in Deal That Would End Textor’s Ownership

Kang will pay $30 million for around 88% of Lyon.
Jun 18, 2026; New York, NY, USA; A New York Knicks Champions bus passes during the New York Knicks Championship Parade through the Canyon of Heroes.
June 18, 2026

Knicks Get Key to NYC in Front of Huge Crowds

The city deployed 10,000 police officers to the one-mile parade route.
June 17, 2026

Dolan: Knicks Have Accepted White House Invite

The NBA champs are headed to the White House.