Ever since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has completely changed the landscape of American soccer culture. From a meteoric rise in Apple pass subscriptions to matchday tickets reaching sky-high prices, La Pulga’s impact on the commercial part of American soccer is unparalleled.

Adding yet another feather to his cap, Messi has broken one more financial record albeit for his club this time. As per reports, the Herons are all set to be the highest revenue earners in MLS history with a revenue forecast of $200 million.

Inter Miami is set to earn triple their revenue target after the arrival of Lionel Messi

It’s barely been 40 days since Messi’s arrival but the impact that the former Barcelona man has had on Inter Miami is simply sensational, to say the least. Earlier today, Inter Miami chief business officer Xavier Asensi revealed a stunning example of the “Messi effect”. The official shared that the Herons are expecting $200 million in revenue next year, which is nearly triple the target set by the board before La Pulga’s arrival.

A sum like this would place them as the biggest single-year revenue earners in the history of MLS. This achievement would also help the David Beckham-led side enter into the coveted list of 33 teams to record $200 million and more in revenue. As per Sportico, they will be the second club from the Americas after Brazilian giants Flamengo to record a revenue north of $200 million.

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Luckily for Inter Miami, this news is a much-needed boost in morale as their chances of a positive MLS debut tomorrow are looking slim.

Inter Miami will have to defy all odds to stand a chance in their MLS opener

They say history repeats itself and more often than not, it is mostly true. Unfortunately for Inter Miami, they would hope that history doesn’t repeat itself as they are all set to face NY Red Bulls in their MLS debut. Out of the 7 encounters between the two teams, Miami has emerged victorious merely on two occasions. Furthermore, the Herons have managed to secure a victory against the NY Red Bulls only once when playing as the visiting side. And to add to their misery, Messi is also doubtful for the crucial clash further denting their chances.

“We will assess further after this evening’s training,” said the Miami Head Coach about Leo’s fitness. The gaffer then hinted that if La Pulga’s fitness isn’t as expected, he would have no option than bench him keeping the bigger picture in mind.  “It is inevitable that we will not have him at some point. I understand the expectations the rest of the world has to watch him, and that is undeniable. But I cannot act based on that, because then I would risk doing things wrong.”

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Will this fantastic achievement motivate the Herons to defy all odds? Or will history repeat itself? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!