Since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023, the club’s value and influence in Major League Soccer (MLS) have surged dramatically. According to a recent Sportico report, Inter Miami is set to become the most valuable MLS franchise by 2026, reflecting the transformative impact of Messi’s presence on the team’s financial and competitive standing.
MLS Team Values See Significant Growth in Recent Years
Sportico highlights that the average MLS team is now valued at $767 million, marking a 6% increase from 2025. Inter Miami stands out at the summit with an estimated worth of $1.45 billion, which represents a remarkable 22% rise compared to the previous year. Close behind is Los Angeles FC (LAFC), whose value has grown by 9% to $1.4 billion, placing them second. The Los Angeles Galaxy complete the top three with a valuation of $1.17 billion, up 5% from 2025.
Further down the rankings, Atlanta United and New York City FC hold the fourth and fifth spots, with estimated values of $1.14 billion and $1.12 billion respectively as the 2026 MLS season approaches.
Season Opener Spotlights Two Highest-Valued Teams in MLS
The upcoming MLS campaign will commence with a high-profile match between Inter Miami and LAFC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on February 21. This fixture not only pits Messi’s team against one of their closest rivals but also highlights the two franchises with the highest revenue in the league, setting the stage for an intense season opener.
Messi’s Ongoing Dominance and Impact on the League
Despite approaching his 39th birthday in June, Lionel Messi is favored to secure a third consecutive MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Former Wales international Robert Earnshaw expressed admiration for Messi’s enduring excellence during a recent interview with GOAL:
“It’s spectacular what we are able to see. He’s 38. He’s one of the best dribblers, he’s one of the best passers, one of the best creators, his imagination is better than anybody, he can score goals and finish. For as long as he continues that, he is going to continue winning the MVP, because he is the MVP. He is the MVP of the whole league,”
Earnshaw continued to emphasize Messi’s broader influence beyond his own team:
“When you are on that level, you truly lift a whole league, never mind your team. Put it this way, without him, Inter Miami don’t win their first title. Without him, Inter Miami are nowhere near the level when it comes to the attention and the aura that is at the club right now.”
Long-Term Commitment and Future Prospects for Inter Miami
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami extends through December 2028, assuring the Argentine will remain a central figure in the club’s development. Having claimed the 2025 MLS MVP award ahead of rivals such as Anders Dreyer, Denis Bouanga, and Evander, Messi’s continued contributions are expected to sustain Inter Miami’s competitive edge and commercial growth through upcoming seasons.
