Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has revealed that the club is already planning for life after Lionel Messi. With ambitions to bring in more ‘global superstars’ to continue their rise in prominence.
Since its establishment by a group including David Beckham in 2018, Inter Miami has quickly become a significant name in global football. The landmark signing of Lionel Messi last summer marked a historic moment, elevating the club’s status. Alongside Messi, other former Barcelona stars such as Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba also joined the Miami-based team.
Mas, a billionaire with a background in construction and sports industries, emphasized that the club is looking beyond Messi’s current contract, which runs until 2025. He aims to ensure Messi’s tenure leaves a lasting legacy. Particularly with the 2026 World Cup in the US expected to boost soccer’s popularity domestically.
“We do anticipate, in 2027 and beyond, to have a, or multiple, global superstars on our roster. We’ve become a beacon for the sport in the U.S. I don’t think there’s any limits to the future,” Mas told Time. This ambition reflects the club’s commitment to maintaining its trajectory of attracting top talent and enhancing the sport’s profile in the US.
The impact of Messi’s arrival has been profound, both on and off the pitch. Mas considers this a significant achievement, noting the increased interest and excitement among American fans. “We’re successful. We’ve succeeded. Expectations are something else, but we’ve succeeded,” he said. “The fact that Lionel Messi is here, that Sergio Busquets is here, that others are going to come here. That we’re opening new chapters for the sport in this country, we’ve succeeded.”
MLS Commissioner Don Garber shares this forward-thinking vision, acknowledging that Messi’s arrival is part of a broader strategy for the league’s future. Garber emphasized the importance of evolving the league’s system to capture the market’s potential. “I wouldn’t say that the market is about the timing of when Messi leaves the league; it’s really, what do we want to be by 2027?” Garber stated. “We’re going to have the eyes of the world on us.”
During a board of governors meeting last July, Mas highlighted the league’s collective ambition to become elite and grow substantially. He stressed the importance of return on investment metrics in player acquisitions, indicating a strategic approach to future signings.
Inter Miami’s plans reflect a blend of celebrating their current successes while preparing for an even brighter future. With Messi’s influence already making waves, the club is positioning itself to continue attracting global talent and solidifying its place in the world of football.
Leave a Reply