Lionel Messi’s lasting legacy at Inter Miami “will be the way he transformed the club from a bottom-of-the-table team to an internationally recognized organization” -- but it “must now cement a championship culture while Messi is on the roster if they are to continue growing the club’s appeal around the globe,” according to Lizzy Becherano of ESPN.com. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas emphasized that he “will use the club’s elevated reputation to chase after the greatest talents” in the years to come. Becherano noted “in order to keep up with the on-field expectations, Inter Miami must continue to grow financially.” Inter Miami President of Business Operations Xavier Asensi is “tasked with supporting Mas’ mandate of signing the world’s greatest players by scaling the club’s business enterprises and wading into new revenue streams.” Becherano noted every deal made by the team “now considers a future without Messi on the field, rather than just the present squad.” For example, the club just signed a five-year partnership with Adidas. Although Inter Miami already used Adidas because of the brand’s overarching contract with MLS, this new deal “forges an independent relationship” between the entities. The deal -- which lasts through 2031, three years after the expiration of Messi’s playing contract -- also includes creating “new, unique lines of athletic wear, positioning Miami as one of Adidas’ top international clubs.” Becherano: “It’s clear to Inter Miami’s front office that there will never be another Messi to revolutionize the club or another stadium to inaugurate” (ESPN.com, 4/22).
Inter Miami future-proofing success while Messi is still on the field
