USA The value of Inter Miami, the club co-owned by David Beckham, increased sharply less than a year after signing a contract with Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami’s value is currently 1.023 billion USD, an increase of 74% compared to before signing a contract with Messi. Co-President Beckham’s team rose seven places on the list of MLS’s most valuable teams, just behind Los Angeles FC and Atlanta United.

Beckham (right) with Messi, Alba and Busquets celebrates the 2023 Leagues Cup in the US. Photo: Instagram

Beckham joined MLS in 2007, when he moved from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy. At that time, the former English midfielder had to accept a salary reduction from 21 million USD to 6.9 million per year. However, the transfer gave Beckham the opportunity to establish his own team when he retired and was awarded a spot in MLS for only 25 million. The only obstacle for Beckham was not being able to establish a football team in New York, and so the legend of Man Utd and Real chose to establish Inter Miami in 2018. Beckham co-owns Inter Miami with American billionaire Jorge Mas. .

In July 2023, Inter Miami signed a contract with Messi, the 2022 World Cup champion and the winner of the most Golden Balls. Messi ‘s appearance helped Inter Miami attract millions more fans and win the first title in history with the Leagues Cup . The presence of the former Barca star also contributed to helping Inter Miami successfully recruit three other big names – Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez.

“Messi helped Inter Miami change life in just five weeks,” Beckham said after the team won the Leagues Cup in August 2023.

This season, Inter Miami continues to play impressively. They are leading the MLS eastern table, with three wins, one draw and one loss. Inter Miami also entered the quarterfinals of the C1 Cup in the CONCACAF region, after defeating Nashville 5-3 in the end.

Before joining Inter Miami, Messi won the 2022 World Cup , the 2021 Copa America with Argentina, four Champions Leagues, 10 La Ligas with Barca and two Ligue 1s with PSG. The 36-year-old striker also set a record of winning eight Golden Balls – the highest individual title in football.