Inter Miami CF has quickly become one of the most popular soccer teams around, and a lot of this is thanks to one person: David Beckham. Beckham isn't just famous for being a great soccer player. He also became the co-owner of Inter Miami, helping to build the club from scratch. His involvement drew plenty of attention and excitement, especially given his successful history with the MLS during his time at LA Galaxy.
Since officially joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2018, Inter Miami has made rapid progress. The team started playing their home matches at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, beginning in the 2020 season.
As Inter Miami’s momentum builds, they’re becoming an easy pick for sports bettors across the league. Their upcoming match against Toronto FC has them heavily favored, and their overall MLS Cup odds currently sit at +350. With that in mind, fans looking to place a wager might want to explore the latest sportsbook promos, sourced by Card Player’s Ciaran McEneaney, to get the best value for their bets.
Game-Changing Signings
The club's popularity soared even higher in July 2023 when soccer superstar Lionel Messi joined the team. Messi’s arrival was a significant moment for Inter Miami, bringing in not only fans but also money. His contract was reportedly worth around $150 million, which greatly boosted the club’s earnings. Revenue jumped dramatically from about $60 million in 2022 to around $200 million by 2024.
But Messi wasn't alone. Inter Miami also signed other well-known players like Blaise Matuidi, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez. These big-name players made Inter Miami games more exciting to watch and increased the team's global fanbase.
Trophy Success and Growing Popularity
Inter Miami didn't just become popular, they also started winning trophies. The team captured its first major trophy, the Leagues Cup, in 2023 and won the Supporters' Shield the next year in 2024. These wins made them exceptionally popular with fans and made everyone see them as a strong soccer team. Because of their winning streak, sportsbooks now consider Inter Miami one of the top contenders, listing them with strong odds of +350 to win the MLS Cup in 2025.
Cultural Impact and Fan Growth
With Messi playing for them, Inter Miami quickly became more than just a soccer team and turned into a cultural icon. Within just one year after signing Messi, the club’s social media followers increased dramatically from around one million to over 17 million. Even celebrities started showing up at games, which helped the club attract attention from people who weren't traditional soccer fans.
Local businesses around the stadium have also enjoyed a boost from increased foot traffic, as fans visiting for matches contribute significantly to the local economy. Merchandise sales, including team jerseys and souvenirs, have reached record highs, further solidifying Inter Miami's presence in popular culture.
Economic Boost from Messi Mania
Messi's debut created a huge demand for tickets. Overnight, ticket prices jumped from $29 to $459, proving how much fans were willing to pay to see him play. Messi’s presence increased interest, and attendance at Inter Miami games skyrocketed, making their matches some of the most sought-after events in MLS.
Upcoming Matches and Odds
As the host nation, all eyes are on Inter Miami in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. With their star-studded squad and recent trophy wins, expectations are high. Many fans and analysts believe they have a strong shot at making a deep run, especially given the momentum they’ve built in recent MLS seasons.
Final Thoughts
Inter Miami CF's rise from a new team to an internationally famous club happened thanks to strategic leadership, exciting player signings, and impressive victories. The presence of global superstar Lionel Messi has especially transformed the team's fortunes, turning their games into major events and dramatically increasing their global fanbase. With their current success, Inter Miami is poised to remain a major force in soccer for years to come.
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