Messi’s Inter Miami second-most valuable MLS club behind LAFC, says Forbes
Messi’s Inter Miami second-most valuable MLS club behind LAFC, says Forbes
Los Angeles Football Club fended off Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to retain its status as the most valuable Major League Soccer team for a third consecutive year, according to the annual 2025 list published by business magazine Forbes on Friday.
LAFC was valued at USD 1.25 billion, up 4 per cent from last year and nearly double the USD 690 million average value of the league’s 29 teams. Expansion club San Diego FC, which begins playing this year, was omitted from the ranking.
Miami, fuelled by Messi’s impact which has led to record-breaking sponsorships and surging fan engagement since his arrival in July 2023, was second on the list after its value rose 17 per cent to USD 1.2 billion.
According to Forbes, Miami’s valuation has doubled since 2022.
During the 2024 MLS campaign, Miami claimed a league-record 74 regular season points and Messi took MVP honors but the team suffered a shock first-round elimination from the playoffs.
Reigning MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy (USD 1 billion), Atlanta United FC (USD 975 million) and New York City FC (USD 875 million) rounded out the top five.
MLS’s 30th season kicks off on Saturday.
