Messi City: Miami turns sky blue as Argentina face Cape Verde | OneFootball

Lionel Messi’s patch of Florida feels like home as Argentina, the defending champions, face Cape Verde in Miami at midnight, Friday to Saturday, French time. He has played for Inter Miami since 2023.

According to L'Équipe, thousands of Argentina shirts flooded Miami Beach on Thursday ahead of the round of 32. Soccer may still rank low in the US sporting order, yet his presence is inescapable.

Wynwood’s murals bloomed for him in 2023, though many have gone, with a Maximiliano Bagnasco portrait still standing on 28th Street. Shops along Ocean Drive and in Little Havana stock global giants but little Messi-branded merchandise, and he does not yet have a star on Calle Ocho’s Walk of Fame.

Inter Miami’s Nu Stadium, opened in April near the airport, has a stand in his name and a vast Champions sign for last season’s MLS title. Away from matchdays the area is quiet, while advertising across beer, sweets and lifestyle brands carries much of his footprint.

The impact is stark, from rapid sell-outs and higher prices to Inter Miami shirts topping Adidas sales worldwide. Club revenue rose from 56 million dollars in 2022 to more than 200 million, valuation hit 1.35 billion, and co-owner Jorge Mas puts Messi’s yearly earnings at 70 to 80 million dollars.

In a city where 67% speak Spanish at home, the phenomenon has swelled, and Messi received the keys to Miami last autumn. MLS weekend audiences in 2026 averaged 7.9 million, up 62%, aided by wider Apple TV access. He has extended to 2028, with a post-career 10% stake due.

Source: L'Équipe