• Loading stock data...
Sunday, January 26, 2025

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

Adam Silver on Potential NBA League in Europe: ‘Still on the Table’

Silver said the NBA is exploring an independent league in Europe.
Oct 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) hugs Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

As Bills Seek Playoff Revenge vs. Chiefs, Viewers Will Be at Attention

Josh Allen is 0–3 against Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs.
Aug 11, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; The Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and head coach Dan Campbell talk to quarterback Nate Sudfeld (10) on a time out late in the second quarter against the New York Giants at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Depleted Lions: Campbell’s Coaching Tree Thrives Amid NFL Hiring Frenzy

The league’s ongoing coaching carousel hits the Lions particularly hard.

Premier League Clubs Claim 14 of Top 30 Revenues, but Real Madrid..

Real Madrid becomes the first club to surpass €1 billion in annual revenue.

Featured Today

PWHL arena

PWHL’s Sophomore Year Booms in Canada, Has Room to Grow in U.S.

Attendance is up 30% from last year, the league says.
January 24, 2025

Once Abandoned, Portland Is Regaining Its Place in the WNBA

The next WNBA team is springing up in a once-deserted market.
October 17, 2011; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets fan fireman Ed during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at the New Meadowlands Stadium.
January 24, 2025

Superfandom Is a Lifestyle, Business—and Thorn in Some Teams’ Sides

Rabid fandom has perks—sometimes to the frustration of teams and leagues.
Jeremiah Smith
January 22, 2025

Ohio State’s Title Isn’t As Simple As $20 Million in NIL

Three lessons from the Buckeyes’ title beyond “pay the best players.”
Jayden Daniels
exclusive

The Commanders Brand Is Finally Popular

Winning changes everything.
Jan 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris (middle) look on during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center.
January 24, 2025

Commanders Aren’t Helping Josh Harris’s Image in Philly

Josh Harris is the wealthiest Philadelphia sports team owner.
January 24, 2025

Jaguars Land Coen in Stunning Move As NFL Coaching Carousel Nears End

Plenty of money is flying around as teams fill out their coaching staffs.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
January 22, 2025

How the Suns Added Draft Picks and Showed They’re All In on..

Butler returned Friday from a seven-game suspension.
January 22, 2025

Utah Hockey Club Names Like Yeti Face Trademark Issues

Naming the NHL team “the Yeti” runs into trademark issues.
January 20, 2025

From $372M Payroll to ‘Sell the Team’ Chants: MLB Imbalance on Display

Offseason MLB club conventions reveal new levels of fan vitriol.
January 20, 2025

Washington Validates $6B Josh Harris Bet With Rapid Turnaround

The NFL team’s new owner continues to make his mark in short order.