Inter Miami: An ambitious young franchise and haven for former Barça stars
Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) American adventure at the FIFA Club World Cup has the feel of a reunion. On Sunday, June 29, PSG will play for a place in the tournament's quarter-finals at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Kickoff is at 6 pm, mainland France time. Their opponent: Inter Miami, home to former PSG star Lionel Messi. The Argentine left a bittersweet legacy in Paris. He described his time in the French capital (2021-2023) as a "difficult period" during which he "didn't feel happy."
Now based in Florida, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, 38, has flourished at the club chaired by David Beckham. The former Manchester United star, who also wore the PSG shirt for half a season in 2013, has expressed pride in bringing Messi on board, who is regarded by many as the best footballer in the world.
Messi's arrival has turned Inter Miami into the second most valuable franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS), the North American league. According to Forbes magazine, the club is now valued at more than $1.2 billion (over €1 billion). The club now boasts its own stadium: gone is the 21,000-seat Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, located 45 kilometers from Miami. In its place is Miami Freedom Park, a 25,000-seat venue near the city's international airport. This project is expected to be completed just in time for the FIFA World Cup, which will be held across Canada, Mexico and the United States in the summer of 2026.
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