Messi Mania: Fort Lauderdale mayor expects economic influx from soccer superstar

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FLV) – As soccer phenom Lionel Messi has already made his mark for Inter Miami CF, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Trantalis told Florida’s Voice it will have an impact on the local economy. 

“What I’m seeing is that he’s ignited a flame of interest here to South Florida towards the whole idea of soccer and sports,” Trantalis said. “There was still an audience here, but he definitely jump started a quiet resurgence of what I think was the game of soccer.”

Making his American debut at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, the Argentine legend booted a game-winning free kick to help Inter Miami CF to a 2-1 victory over Liga MX team Cruz Azul. 

It sent an announced 22,000 fans into a frenzy last Friday night. Messi’s walk-off kick was also witnessed by the largest single-network TV audience since 2004. 

“We have people from all over South America, Central America, Europe, where soccer is the number one sport,” the mayor said. “The interest in America continues to grow. I think because the media has made such a story over his arrival, that it’s caught everyone’s attention, not just soccer fans but basically everybody.”

Messi’s impact has already had a resounding effect on the field with Inter Miami and begun to solidify the City of Fort Lauderdale’s investment.

The soccer legend is creating buzz away from DRV PNK Stadium. He even spotted at a local Publix shopping and snapping photos with fans and even house hunting in the city.

“As a result, he will be an economic driver,” Trantalis continued. “People travel here, they stay here, they eat here. Some people may even buy a place here because they see how fabulous Fort Lauderdale is and say gee I should have a place here and ultimately maybe move here. A lot of that is happening.”

Trantalis pointed to the city’s 2020 and 2021 international boat show as an example of boat owners gathering and ultimately deciding to say and buy a place in the area.

“I think that whole experience, the customer experience that you have here, all of South Florida, its just something isn’t seen up in the Northeast,” Trantalis continued. “People are recognizing it. When it comes to a well-rounded, day to day experience, I just think that we just have so much to offer. Not just the beach, but theater and restaurants and other cultural experiences. It’s all here.”

Messi’s deal will keep him in Fort Lauderdale with Inter Miami for 2 1/2 seasons and pay him between $50 million and $60 million annually.

Should he consider to hang up his cleats, his total contract will earn him between $125 and $150 million.