The New Goal Standard

JORGE MAS took a risk with a lucrative bet on Lionel Messi and quickly transformed Inter Miami into MLS's second billion-dollar franchise. But now the clock is ticking.

- Justin Birnbaum

Inside the AquaDome, a spherical atrium on the largest cruise ship in the world, Jorge Mas settles into his seat for what promises to be an extravagant show. Inter Miami's billionaire owner is aboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas to unveil his Major League Soccer club's record-setting jersey sponsorship with the cruise company and witness the vessel's naming ceremony. He looks on as the talent takes the stage, including an award-winning Scottish cover band, aquatic acrobats and the day's biggest draw: Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi.

For Inter Miami, such fanfare was once unfathomable. Ten months ago, it was a last-place club in American professional soccer's highest tier, valued just above league average at $600 million, with minimal global fame despite being partly owned by David Beckham. Now, "you have to be under a rock to not know that Lionel Messi plays at Inter Miami," the 61-year-old Mas says.

Securing Messi didn't come cheap-even if his Inter Miami salary is far less than the reported $400 million-a-year offer the Argentine star spurned from the Saudi Pro League. Mas says Messi will earn between $50 million and $60 million in guaranteed money annually, with the potential for more through individual revenue sharing deals with Apple and Adidas. Messi also has an option to take ownership in the club, which does not require a buy-in if exercised. But the South Florida-based franchise has already proven the reward was more than worthy of the financial risk.