The football in US is about to change, Lionel Messi joins Inter Miami to spark his magic in the beaches of Miami
Excitement is building up in Miami as Lionel Messi’s debut with Inter Miami draws near. Fans are eagerly grabbing jerseys and purchasing high-priced tickets for the event. However, despite the initial buzz, experts are skeptical about a sustained boost to the economy or the popularity of U.S. soccer due to Messi’s arrival.
Victor Matheson, an economics professor at the College of the Holy Cross, believes that any economic impact will gradually fade away with time, much like the excitement and novelty surrounding the superstar’s debut. He also points out that as Messi’s skills decline over the years, the economic effect might diminish.
Andrew Zimbalist, another economics professor from Smith College, shares a similar sentiment. While acknowledging the initial burst of enthusiasm and product demand, he doesn’t expect a significant long-term economic impact. He emphasizes that the outcome will depend on how MLS and Inter Miami handle the situation, and his best guess is that the novelty effect will wear off within a year.
Last month, Miami witnessed a surge of excitement when Messi announced his decision to join Inter Miami, leading to painted murals of the Argentine soccer star adorning the city. The introduction ceremony drew many Argentines, and DRV PNK Stadium is expected to be filled to capacity for his debut against Cruz Azul.
The match, part of the Leagues Cup, will be broadcast on Apple TV and Univision, showcasing the competition between MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX teams. Despite the excitement, it’s important to note that the Leagues Cup matches do not count towards the regular season standings.
Messi recently participated in his first training session with the team, and his immediate impact on the field will be crucial for Inter Miami’s standings in the league. With the team currently in a challenging position, they will rely on his skills to help them rise in the rankings. However, considering Messi’s age, some experts predict that his peak performance might diminish by year three or four.
Inter Miami confident in the boostup after Lionel Messi’s arrival
Despite these uncertainties, Inter Miami is confident in Messi’s potential impact on merchandise sales and overall revenue. The managing owner, Jorge Mas, revealed that Messi jerseys sold out quickly, and they expect the team’s revenue to double over the next year.
While there is optimism surrounding Messi’s arrival, several factors might limit its long-term impact. MLS financial roster limitations, the dominance of European soccer leagues, TV contracts, and Messi’s age are all aspects to consider. Nevertheless, some economists estimate that Inter Miami could see a boost in value due to Messi’s presence, considering their estimated $600 million franchise value.
Comparisons have been drawn between Messi’s arrival and David Beckham‘s move to MLS in 2007. Like Messi, Beckham’s presence initially boosted ticket sales, but the demand eventually decreased over time. Messi’s success in MLS might depend on his continued enthusiasm and physical ability to perform at the top level.
Additionally, Messi’s impact on the league’s popularity might not match that of elite European leagues like La Liga, Bundesliga, or the Premier League. MLS faces the challenge of enticing viewers to choose their league over the abundance of other soccer options available.
The recent 10-year, $2.5 billion broadcast deal between MLS and Apple TV indicates progress, with viewership increasing in 2022. However, Premier League broadcasts still significantly outperform MLS numbers both domestically and internationally. The economists acknowledge the need for TV money to build competitive teams in MLS.
Despite these challenges, economists foresee some economic boost, especially from out-of-town visitors who spend money on hotels, merchandise, and food during Messi’s games. However, the impact might decrease when Messi is unavailable for matches.
In conclusion, Lionel Messi’s debut with Inter Miami is generating immense excitement and buzz, but experts are cautious about its long-term effects on the economy and the popularity of U.S. soccer. While his immediate impact is expected to be positive, sustaining long-term interest might prove challenging in the highly competitive soccer landscape.
