Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two of the most iconic footballers of the 21st century. Their respective moves—Messi to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), and Ronaldo to Juventus in Italy’s Serie A—have significantly influenced betting odds, reflecting their profound impact on team expectations.
Messi and Ronaldo: an Analysis of their Betting Impact
Messi's move to Inter Miami in 2023 marked a transformative moment for both the club and MLS. Before his signing, Inter Miami's odds to win the MLS Cup were at +20,000. Following the announcement, these odds shortened dramatically to +4,000. This shift underscores the immediate optimism generated by Messi's presence.
Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Juventus in 2018 had a significant and notable effect on betting markets. The odds for Juventus to achieve a treble - Serie A, Coppa Italia, and UEFA Champions League - decreased from 20.00 to 17.00. This adjustment reflects the belief that Ronaldo's presence could elevate the team's performance on multiple fronts.
It is therefore clear that both Messi and Ronaldo have played a decisive role in shaping sports betting odds. Their presence on the pitch has consistently triggered odds fluctuations and influenced bettors’ strategies. In scenarios like these—where odds can shift quickly around major player transfers—promotional offers can serve as a useful tool for those looking to explore the market with added flexibility. Bettors can check the latest promotions here, in this list offered by Oddschecker, to see which platforms provide bonus bets or other incentives that may allow them to test predictions or compare odds. Their transfers have not only altered market expectations but also driven spikes in betting activity around key matches, with operators reporting increased volume whenever either star is involved.
Messi, Ronaldo and their Financial Impact on Inter Miami and Juventus
The arrivals of these football stars at Inter Miami and at Juventus have significantly improved the financial fortunes of their respective clubs, promoting substantial and increasing revenue streams. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi’s arrival has had a profound financial impact. Revenue has surged from $56 million in 2022 (before his arrival) to an anticipated $200 million in 2024, a remarkable increase driven by merchandise sales, sponsorship deals, and ticket demand. Messi’s jersey became the best-selling sports item across Adidas' portfolio, and Inter Miami's social media following grew by 35% within 10 days of his signing. Additionally, Messi's deal includes revenue-sharing agreements with Apple and Adidas, further enhancing his financial impact.
Ronaldo’s signing for Juventus was justified by the club in order to bridge the gap with the elite European clubs, not only in terms of competitive results but also from an economic and commercial standpoint. Ronaldo's transfer in 2018 had a profound effect on the club's financial landscape: the club's stock price reached its highest point since February 2022 and investor confidence significantly increased. His presence attracted lucrative sponsorships and boosted merchandise sales, solidifying Juventus' position as a leading European club. Within 72 hours of Ronaldo’s unveiling at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Juventus had already generated €33 million in revenue from season ticket sales alone—a staggering 50% increase compared to the previous season.
Both Messi and Ronaldo have demonstrated that star players can significantly influence a club's financial success. Their moves have not only boosted on-field performance but also transformed clubs into global brands—Inter Miami is a perfect example—while enhancing international status in others, such as Juventus. Their influence underscores the ever-growing connection between sports and business in the modern era—something no stakeholder can afford to ignore.