Wednesday, October 21, 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

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

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.”

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLS Not Looking Into NYCFC Owners Over Man City Violations

Manchester City was found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules.

Don Garber: MLS Should Be Viewed as ‘Big 5’ U.S. League

Garber acknowledged the league’s media rights revenue and audience are still growing.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber Deflects on Messi Confrontation

Garber called Messi “the GOAT of all GOATs.”
New MLS commissioner Larry Berg speaks with Front Office Sports.

Incoming MLS Commissioner Sees ‘Uncapped Upside’ in Media Rights

NYCFC’s CEO called broadcast revenue the league’s biggest weakness.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/21/26 – T-Mac Backs Clippers Penalty, 80-to-1 Rays Haunt Sportsbooks, Jay-Z Picks Jay-Z

0:00

Featured Today

Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 7, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) against the Tampa Bay Rays in game three of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium.

Steinbrenner Lays Blame for Yankees Playoff Loss With Players

The club’s managing general partners made several pointed remarks.
Aug 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Basketball Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady looks on during the first half between the Dallas Wings and Indiana Fever at American Airlines Center.
October 20, 2026

Tracy McGrady Backs NBA’s Clippers Punishment: ‘Bad Business’

“Trying to circumvent the salary cap is just a no-no.”
October 20, 2026

Jed York, Steve Tisch at NFL Owners Meeting After Scandals

York’s suspension is done.
Sponsored

Blake Griffin’s Plan for Media Domination

The former NBA star is building a second act across media & entertainment.
Oct 19, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz (2) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two run home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the eighth inning in game six of the ALCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field.
October 20, 2026

World Series Matchup Highlights Financial Savvy of Brewers, Rays

The two league champions used several shrewd moves to fuel their rise.
Jun 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) and forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first quarter of game four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.
October 20, 2026

Cheapest Ticket to Knicks Opener Climbs Above $2,000

New York begins its championship defense Tuesday night.
Oct 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers players celebrate after winning the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium.
October 19, 2026

World Series Game 1 Tickets Reach Super Bowl Level Prices

Get-in pricing for Friday’s Game 1 is nearing $3,000 per ticket.
October 18, 2026

Ballhalla Lays Out the Blueprint For the WNBA

Golden State has sold out every home game this year.