Forbes claims that LAFC is still the most valued team in MLS, with Messi’s Miami coming in second

For the third year in a row, the Los Angeles Football Club defeated Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to maintain their position as the most valuable Major League Soccer club, according to Forbes’ annual 2025 list, which opens a new tab on Friday.

With a $1.25 billion valuation, LAFC nearly doubled the average of $690 million for the league’s 29 teams, a 4% increase from the previous year.

The list does not include San Diego FC, an expansion team that started play this year.

Miami came in second on the list as their valuation increased 17% to $1.2 billion, driven by Messi’s influence, which has resulted in record-breaking sponsorships and a surge in fan engagement since his arrival in July 2023.

Miami’s value has risen since 2022, according to Forbes.

Although Messi won MVP and Miami recorded a league-high 74 regular season points in the 2024 MLS season, the club was shocked to lose in the first round of the playoffs.

New York City FC ($875 million), Atlanta United FC ($975 million), and LA Galaxy ($1 billion), the reigning MLS Cup champions, completed the top five.

On Saturday, MLS’s 30th season get underway.