The investment in Messi has yielded immediate dividends, propelling Inter Miami to a valuation of $1.45 billion. This 22 percent increase in value over just one year makes them the most valuable franchise in MLS history. Asensi is clear that while the marketing is vital, the financial growth is intrinsically linked to the trophies Messi has delivered, including the Leagues Cup and the Supporters’ Shield, alongside qualification for the revamped Club World Cup.
Reflecting on the transformative impact of the captain, Asensi noted that the change has been “night and day, black and white” for the Florida outfit. “Why have we grown? Because we’ve won,” he explained. “Leo changes everything for the better, from one point of view. Since Lionel’s arrival, we reached the US Open Cup final, won the Leagues Cup, won the Supporters’ Shield, a record number of points, qualified for the Champions League, won the MLS Cup, reached another Leagues Cup final, reached the Champions League semifinals and qualified for the Club World Cup. I think it’s quite obvious and evident that Lionel’s presence on the pitch, along with everything that has surrounded him, has allowed the club to perform better, and this is what I told you before: As a football club, we depend on what happens on the pitch.”