Inter Miami’s Global Tour: Showcasing Beckham’s Vision with Argentina’s Messi and Uruguay’s Suárez
Led by soccer legends Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, Inter Miami embarks on its first international tour, highlighting the club’s rapid ascent as a global soccer brand under David Beckham’s stewardship.
Inter Miami Embarks on Ambitious Global Tour
Inter Miami, the MLS club co-owned by David Beckham, is setting out on an ambitious international tour, marking a significant milestone in its history. The club has transformed into a global soccer phenomenon with star players like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Starting this Friday in El Salvador, the tour includes seven matches in under a month, showcasing the team’s growing international appeal.
Forbes said Inter Miami’s value was around $600 million in 2023. However, with the franchise’s soaring popularity, especially following the arrival of Messi in June, this figure could surpass $1 billion in 2024. Messi’s signing led to a 38% increase in attendance at DRV PNK Stadium and significantly boosted the club’s merchandise sales.
In 2023, Inter Miami experienced a record-breaking season. In the first half of the year, there was a 30% increase in match attendance. After Messi joined, the club saw even more significant growth, affirming the Argentine superstar’s impact on and off the field.
High Sporting Ambitions for 2024
The team’s sporting ambitions for 2024 are high, with Luis Suárez expressing hopes of winning four titles. Inter Miami will compete in MLS, the U.S. Open Cup, the defending Leagues Cup, and the CONCACAF Champions League.
The latter half of 2023 proved to be a goldmine for the team. Ticket prices for matches shot up, with some tickets in Los Angeles and New York selling for over $500, driven by fans eager to watch Messi play.
The club’s international friendlies will be relatively cheap. Tickets for the match against El Salvador, where a whole house is expected, were resold for between $200 and $375. A match against Newell’s Old Boys in Fort Lauderdale is currently priced at a minimum of $115, with the potential for prices to rise on resale platforms.
Inter Miami will travel approximately 38,500 kilometers for its international tour in less than a month. After El Salvador, the team heads to Texas for a match against Dallas FC and then to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to play Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.
Notable Absence and Historic Rivalry
The January 29th match against Al-Hilal could have been a reunion with Neymar Junior for Messi, Suárez, Alba, and Busquets, but an injury rules out the Brazilian star. The February 2nd friendly against Al-Nassr will be a highlight, featuring a historic rivalry between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The tour will culminate in a particular match against Newell’s Old Boys, Messi, and Martino’s hometown team, closing Inter Miami’s preseason at DRV PNK Stadium. Despite being friendly, the cheapest tickets sold for $115 on Vivid Seats.
Inter Miami kicks off the new MLS season against Real Salt Lake at DRV PNK Stadium six days after this match. Tickets for the official debut of Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and Alba are nearing $150, a figure dwarfed by the minimum $400 for tickets to the following weekend’s match against Los Angeles Galaxy.
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This international tour highlights Inter Miami’s rapid rise in the world of soccer and underlines the club’s growing influence in the global market, particularly in the Arab and Asian regions. With the star power of Messi and Suárez at the forefront, Inter Miami is not just playing matches; it’s expanding its brand and showcasing Beckham’s vision of making it one of the most recognizable names in soccer.
