Jorge Mas, the billionaire owner of Inter Miami, made a bold bet on acquiring soccer star Lionel Messi, which quickly transformed his MLS team into the league’s second billion-dollar franchise. Since Messi’s arrival, the club’s revenue has more than doubled, with expectations of exceeding $200 million this year. Messi’s presence has also boosted the club’s value to just over $1 billion, with Mas’s stake increasing to $1.7 billion. However, Mas faces the challenge of planning for Inter Miami’s future beyond Messi, as the 36-year-old star cannot play forever.
Mas, who was initially more passionate about baseball than soccer, found success in the construction industry before venturing into sports ownership. His pursuit of owning a sports team led him to join the ownership group of Inter Miami in 2018, after an unsuccessful bid to purchase the Miami Marlins baseball team. Meeting with David Beckham and sharing a vision for MLS in Miami convinced Mas to take the risk of investing in the league, which traditionally sees most clubs losing money.
The successful acquisition of Messi by Mas was the result of persistent efforts that took him across various countries to secure the deal. Messi’s arrival in South Florida has created a surge of fandom, positioning Miami as a soccer city. While the immediate benefits of having Messi on the team are evident through increased revenue and fan engagement, Mas is also focused on looking ahead to the post-Messi era and ensuring the club’s continued success.
Despite uncertainties surrounding Messi’s future in MLS, Mas is confident that the star will stay at least until 2025, with a potential extension to 2026. Inter Miami has strategically planned its partnership deals to extend beyond Messi’s tenure, ensuring continued revenue growth. Mas is also aiming to attract other top international players to the team, leveraging Miami’s appeal as a destination for players and the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America as opportunities to further elevate the league and Inter Miami’s profile.
Mas’s commitment to the growth and success of MLS goes beyond just Inter Miami, as he sees a responsibility to help the league thrive. With plans to have between 12 to 20 of the top 100 players in the world in MLS by 2027, Mas is focused on leveraging the league’s partnership with Apple for increased revenue sharing. This strategic approach aims to not only benefit Inter Miami but also contribute to the overall health and growth of the league. Mas’s ambition and vision for the future of Inter Miami and MLS reflect his dedication to elevating the sport in the U.S. and beyond.
