It’s not every day you see the world’s biggest football icon casually walk through a training ground in Florida.
But when Lionel Messi emerged from Inter Miami’s facility in his signature calm, low-key style, the buzz was immediate.
Cameras clicked, reporters scrambled, and the anticipation for the Club World Cup’s grand kickoff soared.
A-List Energy in Modest Surroundings
Inter Miami’s training base might be sleek, but The Chase Stadium, their current home ground, feels a little makeshift—its temporary stands more reminiscent of a small-town cricket match than a world-class football stage.
That’s about to change, though. The club is counting down to moving into a sprawling new $1 billion (£740 million) stadium further south in Miami, closer to the beach, the city, and yes—plenty of tourists.
Despite their flashy celebrity ties—from LeBron James to Kim Kardashian—the setting still feels a bit underwhelming for a team that boasts Lionel Messi.
Still, that hasn’t stopped fans and stars alike from flocking to catch a glimpse of what Beckham has built.
The New Face of a Reinvented Club World Cup
Inter Miami is opening FIFA’s newly revamped Club World Cup, and it’s a big deal.
This isn’t just a game—it’s a statement.
It’s about how far Major League Soccer (MLS) has come and where it’s heading.
Teammate Luis Suarez, now reunited with Messi, summed up the mood: “We’ve had so many people come just to see us these last two years.
Inter Miami keeps getting bigger. We’re just getting started.”
Controversial Invitation, but the Spotlight Shines Anyway
Miami’s path to this tournament raised a few eyebrows.
They didn’t win the traditional league title—they earned the MLS Supporters’ Shield, which goes to the team with the most points in the regular season.
That alone wouldn’t usually secure a Club World Cup spot, but they were brought in anyway, reportedly through a few FIFA loopholes.
The organizers seem eager to fill the massive 65,000-seat Hard Rock Stadium, even offering $20 ticket deals to local college students and giving away bundles of freebies.
Some say the idea that Messi alone would sell out the place was overly optimistic—locals have had over a year to catch the magic live.
The Beckham Dream Finally Taking Shape
For co-owner Jorge Mas and Beckham himself, this moment has been years in the making.
From tough battles over stadium sites to early struggles building a team, it’s all starting to click.
Messi’s arrival in 2023 supercharged the momentum, with his salary and endorsement package reportedly totaling around £100 million a year.
Revenue has since doubled. Inter Miami is on track to become the first MLS club to break €200 million (£170 million) in value, trailing only behind LAFC, who share the tournament group with Chelsea.
Ticket Prices Reflect the Hype—and the Gap
While some seats were given away cheaply, many were anything but.
Front-row spots close to the action hit $1,200 (£883), and resale sites saw prices rise to nearly $1,652 (£1,215) in some cases.
These eye-watering figures mirror complaints seen across European football, especially in the Premier League, where affordability battles rage on.
Life After Messi Already on Their Minds
Messi’s impact is undeniable—but Inter Miami is already planning for what comes next.
Sources say the club is deep into talks to extend his contract through 2026, which would coincide with the opening of their new Miami Freedom Park stadium, located closer to downtown and the airport.
Rival teams don’t seem bitter—more curious. When Messi is in town, ticket sales and merchandise spike.
Boardrooms across MLS are quietly thankful that a strong Miami lifts the league’s profile.
A Star-Studded Team That Hasn’t Bought Success—Yet
Despite the star power—Messi, Suarez, Busquets, Alba, and previously Higuain—Inter Miami hasn’t dominated the league.
They’ve had hiccups, including early playoff exits, and even a salary cap violation involving French midfielder Blaise Matuidi.
They flirted with signing Kevin De Bruyne before he chose a move to Naples.
The glitz hasn’t yet translated to championships, which helps soften how rivals view them.
Most MLS teams are betting on younger talent now, not fading legends.
Even Inter Miami fans are calling for more trust in the academy.
The Next Generation Is Hungry
Midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi, one of Miami’s homegrown talents at just 20, says the young core is learning fast.
“We’re the engine of this team. The stars are huge for us, but we’re the ones running, watching, and absorbing every moment,” he said.
Inter Miami’s youth teams regularly compete with top global academies, and insiders say there’s serious talent coming through.
The ambition is to combine legacy stars with homegrown grit—a winning formula if they can get it right.
High Hopes, But Still a Long Road Ahead
Last season’s best result was a swift playoff exit. Jordi Alba even slammed the play-off format, calling it unfair.
Busquets, meanwhile, admitted that life in MLS has been a cultural shock—but in the best way.
For players like him, Florida offers a balance of familiarity and a fresh challenge.
As Inter Miami gets set to light up the Club World Cup stage, they’re carrying the hopes of MLS and showing the world that American soccer is no longer a sideshow.
With Messi leading the charge, all eyes are on Miami—and maybe, just maybe, this really is just the beginning.