Hotels, restaurants, bars, local businesses, and the tourism sector are set to benefit from his presence.īut the social impact may be even more profound. The swirl of fans, tourists, and media attention that will follow Messi's moves on and off the pitch can provide a significant boost to Miami's economy. The economic impact of Messi's arrival won't be underestimated. Messi's arrival is certain to take that all to a new level entirely. It can play a pivotal role in the city's economic and social development, not least of the cosmopolitan sort promoted by current Mayor Francis Suarez. Like the companies choosing Miami as their home base, the soccer club has the potential to continue attracting a global set of talent and innovation-especially from Latin America and Europe-to the local culture in ways that elevate the city's global standing. Inter Miami's strategy aligns with Miami's growing status as a corporate headquarters hub. And the growth of Inter Miami CF, led by local businessmen Jorge Mas and Jose Mas alongside international football superstar David Beckham, reflects the city's commitment to attracting global talent and reinforcing its cosmopolitan image. The impact of professional sports in Miami extends far beyond entertainment and cultural significance, of course. It has also served as the setting for multiple NFL Super Bowls and other sports mega-events, and is preparing to host FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches. ![]() More recently, Miami served as the backdrop for the popular HBO series Ballers, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a former University of Miami football player turned WWE icon turned Hollywood A-lister. The city has witnessed memorable moments, such as when The Beatles, during their first United States tour, visited the 5th Street Gym to playfully jab around with Olympic gold medalist Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) at a training session before he shocked the world to take the heavyweight boxing championship from Sonny Liston. After purchasing a 95 percent ownership stake in both properties the following year, Ross began developing new ways of connecting the Dolphins to the community by bringing in global celebrities with local ties-musicians Gloria Estefan and Marc Anthony and tennis players Venus Williams and Serena Williams came on as minority-share owners of the team, musician and Margaritaville entrepreneur Jimmy Buffett developed a stadium naming-rights partnership, and art installations and restaurant outposts from local creatives popped-up at the venue.īut it wasn't the first time that sports were being ingrained in Miami's popular culture. In 2008, Stephen Ross, chairman of the Related Companies, purchased a 50 percent share in both the Miami Dolphins and its home stadium. ![]() Huizenga's vision extended beyond team ownership, as he acquired the regional sports television network, secured stadium naming rights, and developed an economic and social sphere around the franchises and their facilities. The milestone helped pave the way for billionaire entrepreneur Wayne Huizenga to bring MLB and NHL expansion franchises to the region. In the following decade, the NBA granted the Miami Heat an expansion franchise, led by a group that included then-mayor Xavier Suarez, Carnival Cruise Lines founder Ted Arison, theater producer Zev Buffman, and NBA Hall of Fame member Billy Cunningham. The Miami Dolphins of the NFL first gained global attention with its undefeated season and two Super Bowl victories in the 1970s. In addition to major golf and tennis tournaments, the four major league professional sports franchises in the greater Miami area have been leaving their marks on its social fabric and contributing to its sense of community. The city was already rising on the global sports scene even prior to Messi's announcement.
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