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LAFC fend off David Beckham's Inter Miami to be named most valuable MLS club for third consecutive year despite Lionel Messi transfer significantly boosting club's popularity

LAFC were valued at $1.25bn, up 4% from last year, and close to double the average value of the league's 29 teams. Inter Miami have enjoyed a surge of sponsorships and fan engagement since signing Lionel Messi in 2023 and rose 17% in value to claim second place.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Miami's valuation has doubled as a result of the Messi signing but it was not enough to top LAFC on the list. The Argentina legend helped his side claim 74 regular season points in 2024 before the team suffered <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/flaws-exposed-lionel-messi-and-inter-miami-turn-in-disasterclass-in-mls-playoff-exit-but-in-truth-upset-was-entirely-predictable/blt3218683547692554" target="_blank">a shock first-round exit from the play-offs</a> - but their valuation has doubled since 2022 and seems set to keep rising with Messi at the club.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy were valued at $1bn in third place, while Atlanta United ($975m) and New York City FC ($875m) completed the top five. Expansion club San Diego FC were omitted from the ranking.

DID YOU KNOW?

<table><thead><tr><th>POSITION</th><th>TEAM</th><th>VALUE</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1)</td><td>LAFC</td><td>$1.25bn</td></tr><tr><td>2)</td><td>Inter Miami</td><td>$1.2bn</td></tr><tr><td>3)</td><td>LA Galaxy</td><td>$1bn</td></tr><tr><td>4)</td><td>Atlanta United</td><td>$975m</td></tr><tr><td>5)</td><td>New York City FC</td><td>$875m</td></tr><tr><td>6)</td><td>Austin FC</td><td>$825m</td></tr><tr><td>7)</td><td>Seattle Sounders</td><td>$800m</td></tr><tr><td>8)</td><td>D.C. United</td><td>$785m</td></tr><tr><td>9)</td><td>Columbus Crew</td><td>$735m</td></tr><tr><td>10)</td><td>FC Cincinnati</td><td>$730m</td></tr></tbody></table>

FORBES' TOP 10 MOST VALUABLE MLS TEAMS 2025

The 2025 MLS season kicks off this weekend, with LA Galaxy beginning their title defence against San Diego in the Eastern Conference. LAFC host Minnesota United, while <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-miss-inter-miami-mls-season-opener-javier-mascherano-stars-unavailable-new-york-city-fc/blt0c4332437193be80#:~:text=Messi%20has%20one%20year%20left,the%20league%20opener%20on%20Saturday." target="_blank">Inter Miami play New York City</a>.

WHAT NEXT FOR MLS?

LAFC fend off David Beckham's Inter Miami to be named most valuable MLS club for third consecutive year despite Lionel Messi transfer significantly boosting club's popularity | Goal.com

LAFC have beaten David Beckham&apos;s Inter Miami to be named Forbes&apos; most valuable MLS club for the third year running.

LAFC fend off David Beckham&apos;s Inter Miami to be named most valuable MLS club for third consecutive year despite Lionel Messi transfer significantly boosting club&apos;s popularity