Messi Effect Transforms MLS: From Short-Term Thrill to Long-Term Game Changer for U.S. Soccer

 

The “Messi effect” on Major League Soccer (MLS) has been nothing short of revolutionary, transforming not just the fortunes of Inter Miami CF but reshaping the league’s entire landscape. With Lionel Messi leading the charge, Inter Miami’s valuation has skyrocketed to over a billion dollars, marking an extraordinary leap in franchise value and spotlighting the immense impact of a single player’s influence. This seismic shift has not only doubled ticket prices and necessitated stadium expansions but also significantly increased MLS season pass subscriptions on Apple TV. Messi’s influence extends far beyond the financial, embedding MLS into the fabric of American culture, elevating the league’s status, and even outshining global celebrities in media engagement.

As we witness this remarkable growth, how sustainable is the “Messi effect” for the future of MLS and soccer in America?

Suite Talk’s host, Patrick Rishe, the Sports Business Program Director for Washington University in St. Louis, is an expert in the business of sports. He offers valuable insights into the phenomenon’s sustainability and its potential to shape the sport’s trajectory in the U.S.

“The impact of Lionel Messi from franchise value on the club revenue of the team and just in the general interest and impact societally of soccer in this country and the halo effect he’s created for other teams and their awareness is truly unparalleled, perhaps across any sport that we’ve ever seen in North America,” Rishe said.

Article written by Sonia Gossai.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

Emergency department
How Predictive AI Is Helping Hospitals Anticipate Admissions and Optimize Emergency Department Throughput
December 24, 2025

Emergency departments across the U.S. are under unprecedented strain, with overcrowding, staffing shortages, and inpatient bed constraints converging into a throughput crisis. The American Hospital Association reports that hospital capacity and workforce growth have lagged, intensifying delays from arrival to disposition. At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence are moving from experimental to operational—raising…

Read More
Mission
Why Is the Mission of Benchmark So Important
December 23, 2025

As pharmaceutical innovation accelerates, the margin for error narrows, making quality assurance not just a regulatory necessity but a public good. Benchmark’s mission sits at the intersection of progress and protection—helping manufacturers stay aligned with FDA standards so life-saving therapies reach patients faster and safer. By keeping cleanrooms compliant and companies out of trouble, Benchmark…

Read More
Benchmark
What Is It Like for You to Be Part of the Benchmark Products Teams Now
December 23, 2025

Being part of the Benchmark Products team today means working at the intersection of precision manufacturing and deeply human collaboration, especially in the high-stakes world of cleanroom and sterility assurance solutions. As the organization grows, employees describe a culture that still feels familial—one where clear communication, personal accountability, and genuine care for customers drive…

Read More
Cleaning
Do Your Friends Ever Ask You For Cleaning Tips
December 23, 2025

In a media landscape increasingly shaped by privacy constraints, data clean rooms have emerged as a quiet but powerful way for brands to collaborate without exposing sensitive information, even if, as Will Sepsis quips, some partners would still prefer that “ignorance is bliss.” That tension—between curiosity and caution—captures the moment we’re in, where understanding…

Read More