Jorge Mas, the billionaire owner of Inter Miami, made a lucrative bet on Lionel Messi that quickly transformed the MLS club into a billion-dollar franchise. The club’s value skyrocketed after securing Messi, with revenue doubling in just half a season. Messi’s presence has drawn global attention to the club, leading to increased ticket sales, advertising partnerships, and a surge in subscriptions on the league’s streaming service. Inter Miami is now considered the second-most valuable club in MLS, with Mas’ stake in the team boosting his own net worth to $1.7 billion.
Mas’ unlikely journey to owning a soccer team began with a background in business and construction, rather than a love for the sport. After a successful career in building infrastructure and founding the successful company MasTec, Mas fulfilled his dream of owning a sports team when he joined Beckham in bringing an expansion team to Miami in 2018. His vision for the club included attracting the best players in the world, leading him to pursue Messi for years before finally securing the iconic player.
Despite the immediate success brought by Messi, Mas faces the challenge of planning for the club’s future beyond the aging star. With Messi’s contract ending in 2026 and his playing career likely coming to an end soon after, Mas must strategize for the club’s longevity and continued success. He aims to attract more top players to Inter Miami, leveraging the club’s advantages such as warm weather, cultural appeal, and proximity to home for Latin American players. Mas also plans to capitalize on the 2026 World Cup held in North America to further boost the league’s global presence.
Mas is confident in the future of MLS, predicting that the league will have between 12 to 20 of the top 100 players in the world by 2027. He emphasizes the importance of growing the league as a whole, not just focusing on Inter Miami’s success. The club’s media deal with Apple, which includes revenue sharing beyond the guaranteed amount, will play a crucial role in the league’s growth and sustainability. Mas is committed to pushing for the overall benefit and growth of MLS, positioning Inter Miami as a key player in the league’s evolution.
In the midst of Inter Miami’s rise to success with Messi at the forefront, Mas reflects on his journey from a baseball fan to a billionaire soccer club owner. His perseverance and vision for the club have paid off, turning a last-place team into a billion-dollar franchise. Mas’ commitment to the growth of MLS and Inter Miami’s future beyond Messi demonstrate his dedication to the sport and his role in shaping the league’s trajectory. As the clock ticks on Messi’s playing career, Mas continues to plan for Inter Miami’s sustained success in the competitive landscape of professional soccer.