The convergence of sports luminaries unfolded recently as the iconic Ken Griffey Jr., an illustrious member of the MLS Hall of Fame, embraced the role of sports photographer, immortalizing Lionel Messi during an MLS match for Inter Miami.
Renowned baseball figure Ken Griffey Jr. has transitioned into sports photography in the aftermath of his illustrious playing career. He was notably captured on the sidelines during the Inter Miami versus Nashville match in Miami. Donning his signature vintage backward cap and wielding a camera, Griffey Jr.’s presence lent an air of royalty to the proceedings.
Ken Griffey Jr. just out here completing side quests photographing an Inter-Miami soccer game 😂😂
(via @MLS) pic.twitter.com/bo84M9dfWS
— MLB Life (@MLBLife) August 31, 2023
Griffey’s presence brought some interesting comments on social media, as some soccer fans were asking who he was as he stole the spotlight several times on the telecast while a user joked, “Tickets are so expensive even Ken Griffey Jr. had to get a job.” This was a jab at Inter Miami, as fans have been vocal about their insane ticket prices since the arrival of Lionel Messi.
The match itself culminated in a goalless draw, marking Lionel Messi’s first appearance since his transfer to Inter Miami, where he didn’t register a goal or an assist. Nonetheless, Miami’s undefeated streak with Messi at the helm persisted, extending to an impressive tally of 10 games. Messi’s contribution encompasses 11 goals and three assists within this remarkable span.
Griffey’s engagement with soccer transcends his photography pursuits. In a testament to their profound affinity for soccer and the MLS, both Griffey and his wife Melissa undertook the role of investors in the Seattle Sounders in 2020. This financial commitment underscores their genuine and enduring connection with the soccer arena.
Floyd Mayweather joined Ken Griffey Jr. to watch Lionel Messi play for Inter Miami
In addition to Ken Griffey Jr., boxing legend Floyd Mayweather and FIFA president Gianni Infantino were also in attendance at DRV PNK Stadium on Wednesday evening to watch Lionel Messi play against Nashville.
The MLS social media channel shared that boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. and MLB Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. were seen at DRV PNK Stadium before the start of the match on Wednesday evening.
Floyd Mayweather and Ken Griffey Jr. link up to watch Messi tonight 🙏
(via @MLS)pic.twitter.com/jmHcvrBtAd
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 30, 2023
The phenomenon ignited by Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has magnetized a diverse array of admirers. From athletes and musicians to actors, a constellation of individuals has been drawn to witness Messi’s mesmerizing performances while donning the iconic pink Inter Miami jersey.
Kim Kardashian, LeBron James, Serena Williams, Camilla Cabello, and Diddy are just a few of the many celebrities who have attended Inter Miami matches since Lionel Messi’s arrival.
Early reports pointed out how Messi’s arrival has impacted Inter Miami. As they are projected to achieve approximately $200 million in annual revenue by 2024, Inter Miami’s financial prospects have surged dramatically. This projection represents a fourfold increase from their 2022 earnings.
Projections indicate that the club’s valuation could skyrocket to around $1.5 billion by 2024, largely attributable to Messi’s influential presence. The Argentine superstar commands an annual salary ranging between $50 million and $60 million.