Lionel Messi made his debut training session with Inter Miami on Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. As the anticipation grows for his first game with the team on Friday, fans are eagerly purchasing jerseys and expensive tickets. However, experts believe that the long-term impact on the economy and popularity of U.S. soccer is unlikely to be significant. Victor Matheson, an economics professor, stated that the economic impact will fade over time as excitement wanes and Messi’s skills decline. Andrew Zimbalist, another economics professor, added that while there may be an initial burst of enthusiasm and demand, the novelty effect is likely to wear off within a year. Despite this, Messi’s arrival has created a buzz in Miami, with murals of him appearing throughout the city and an influx of Argentine fans expected for his debut match against Cruz Azul. Inter Miami’s performance in the MLS standings has been lackluster, but with Messi’s addition, there is hope for improvement. However, economists caution that the team’s success will ultimately depend on factors such as TV contracts and the limitations of MLS financial rosters. They compare Messi’s arrival to David Beckham’s move to the Los Angeles Galaxy, noting that while there may be initial benefits, sustaining long-term success will require ongoing enthusiasm and performance. Messi’s contract, worth up to $150 million, provides him with adequate motivation, but there are uncertainties regarding his physical condition and skills as he ages. In terms of merchandise sales and immediate interest, Messi has already had a positive impact on Inter Miami, but MLS still faces challenges in competing with elite European leagues. While MLS viewership has increased, it lags behind Premier League broadcasts in terms of numbers. The economists point to the importance of TV money in building a successful league and suggest that without it, MLS may struggle to afford top-tier players. Despite these challenges, there may be some economic benefits from fans visiting from out of town. However, it is likely that demand and ticket prices will decrease after the initial excitement of Messi’s debut.
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