For years, soccer in the United States was seen as an emerging market, often overshadowed by American football, basketball, and baseball. But in recent times, Florida has become the unlikely epicenter of global soccer attention — all thanks to Inter Miami. Once just another Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion club, Inter Miami is now a worldwide name, largely due to high-profile signings, none bigger than Lionel Messi himself.

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The Birth of Inter Miami

Inter Miami CF, officially known as Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, was founded in 2018, with its inaugural season taking place in 2020. Backed by a high-profile ownership group led by David Beckham, the club had instant credibility. Beckham, who famously played for LA Galaxy in MLS after his iconic spell at Real Madrid, envisioned bringing a truly global soccer brand to Florida.

The early years were modest, as with most new franchises. Inter Miami played its games at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, awaiting a permanent stadium project in Miami itself. Performances on the pitch were inconsistent, and the team struggled to make a mark in the MLS standings. However, the brand value was always present, thanks to Beckham’s involvement and the allure of Miami as a glamorous, multicultural city.

The Messi Era: A Turning Point

Everything changed in June 2023, when Lionel Messi — widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time — announced he was joining Inter Miami. After winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina and completing a stint at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi’s decision to move to MLS stunned the footballing world.

Messi’s arrival wasn’t just a transfer. It was a cultural shift. Suddenly, Inter Miami wasn’t just another MLS team; it became a global phenomenon. Ticket sales skyrocketed, merchandise sold out instantly, and games were broadcast worldwide with record-breaking viewership. Even away matches against other MLS teams became events, as fans packed stadiums just to catch a glimpse of Messi.

Superstar Signings: A Domino Effect

Messi’s transfer opened the floodgates for other star names. Within weeks, former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also signed for Inter Miami, reuniting with their old friend in Florida. Suddenly, Inter Miami had the feel of a Barcelona revival, only this time under the Florida sun.

In 2024, the club continued to attract international talent, with rumors linking Luis Suárez and other global stars to the roster. The strategy was clear: Inter Miami wanted to combine superstar power with competitive performances, all while raising the profile of MLS on a global scale.

This approach mirrored Beckham’s own move to LA Galaxy years earlier, which had elevated MLS’s profile worldwide. But Messi’s impact dwarfed even that, bringing levels of attention and sponsorship opportunities never before seen in American soccer.

Global Recognition and Fanbase

With Messi on the roster, Inter Miami became a household name worldwide. Fans in Argentina, Spain, and Asia started following the team, and Miami itself became a travel destination for football enthusiasts. Jerseys with Messi’s number 10 became some of the best-selling sports merchandise in the United States, rivaling even NBA and NFL stars.

Social media exploded, with Inter Miami’s followers on Instagram skyrocketing from less than one million to over 15 million in just months after Messi’s signing. This growth reflected how the club had transitioned from a regional sports entity into a global brand.

On the Pitch: Success and Expectations

Inter Miami’s transformation wasn’t only about marketing. On the pitch, the team showed remarkable improvement. Messi’s debut season included dramatic moments, from scoring free kicks in clutch situations to leading Inter Miami to its first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup, in 2023.

This success created a sense of legitimacy. For years, critics argued that MLS was a “retirement league” for aging stars. Messi, however, proved that world-class players could raise the standard of play and bring serious competitiveness to American soccer. With Busquets and Alba orchestrating the midfield and defense, Inter Miami became one of the most formidable teams in MLS.

The Rise to the Top

Inter Miami’s rise from an expansion club to a global phenomenon within just a few years is one of modern football’s most remarkable stories. With Lionel Messi at the center, the team has transcended sport, becoming part of global pop culture and reshaping the conversation about soccer in the United States.

For Florida’s fans and for millions worldwide, the Messi era represents more than just football — it’s a movement. And if Inter Miami continues to build wisely, its legacy could stretch far beyond its current stardom, helping MLS carve out a permanent place in the global football hierarchy.