New York City vs Inter Miami: Score, Salary & Rivalry

When two high-profile teams collide in Major League Soccer, the buzz is real. The latest New York City FC vs Inter Miami match delivered that drama—a 3-2 thriller that swung momentum in the Eastern Conference, and this breakdown explores the rivalry, the financial realities behind Messi’s salary, and what shapes both clubs off the pitch.

Latest Match Result: Inter Miami 3-2 NYCFC (March 22, 2026) · Messi Annual Salary: $70M–$80M · Inter Miami Co-Owner: David Beckham · NYCFC Biggest Rival: New York Red Bulls · Inter Miami Young Talent: Mateo Silvetti (age 19)

Two clubs, one overriding pattern: star power drives results and revenue. The table below lays out the basics.

Who is NYCFC’s biggest rival?

For New York City FC, the answer is clear: the New York Red Bulls. Geographic proximity and competitive matches have fueled this local derby since NYCFC entered MLS in 2015. According to Wikipedia’s page on MLS rivalry cups, no dedicated cup exists for this matchup unlike the Atlantic Cup or Hell is Real, but the intensity is unmistakable.

History of the NYCFC vs New York Red Bulls rivalry

• The two teams have met regularly since 2015, with NYCFC often the underdog in early years.
• Matches are known for high attendance and emotional fan bases, per NYCFC match coverage.
• Recent form favors NYCFC, who topped the Red Bulls in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup elimination game (Wikipedia).

Bottom line: NYCFC has carved out a clear identity as the Red Bulls’ main adversary. For New York fans, bragging rights in the city are on the line every time they meet.

The implication: The Red Bulls rivalry remains NYCFC’s defining local contest, even as Inter Miami grows in profile.

Does David Beckham still own Inter Miami?

Yes. David Beckham remains a co-owner of Inter Miami CF, a role he took on when the club was founded in 2018. The ownership group also includes Jorge Mas and Jose Mas, as noted on the club’s Wikipedia page.

Who are the other owners of Inter Miami?

• Jorge Mas (managing owner, Cuban-American businessman)
• Jose Mas (brother of Jorge, also a major investor)
• David Beckham (co-owner and president of football operations, per Wikipedia)

The implication: Beckham’s ownership stake goes beyond a figurehead role—he actively shapes the club’s direction, including the pursuit of global stars like Messi.

The pattern: Beckham’s involvement as co-owner ensures the club’s pursuit of top talent remains aggressive, funded by his global brand cachet.

What is Messi’s prime salary?

Lionel Messi’s annual salary at Inter Miami is estimated between $70 million and $80 million, according to club co-owner Jorge Mas in an interview with ESPN. That figure includes base salary and guaranteed compensation, but not endorsement deals or the revenue-sharing agreement with Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass. Earlier reports from MLSSoccer.com placed his 2023 base at $20.4 million, but his total package has since ballooned.

Why did Messi reject a $1.5 billion offer?

Messi turned down a staggering offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, reported to be worth €1.4 billion per year. While the exact terms remain unclear, multiple outlets linked to the ESPN report suggest the bid included a massive playing contract plus ambassadorial roles. Messi chose Miami instead, citing lifestyle and competitive ambition.

The catch: The $70M–$80M salary is a bet on marketing and gate revenue that paid off in 2023 but creates long-term salary-cap pressure.

Is Beckham richer than Messi?

In terms of annual playing income, Messi earns significantly more than his boss. David Beckham’s net worth, built from his playing career, endorsements, and business ventures, is estimated to be higher overall, but precise numbers vary. The Wikipedia page for David Beckham notes his diverse portfolio, while Messi’s current salary from Inter Miami outpaces Beckham’s peak earnings as a player.

Who is richer, Victoria or David Beckham?

Reports consistently place David Beckham’s net worth well above Victoria Beckham’s, largely due to his Real Madrid and LA Galaxy salaries, plus his ownership stake in Inter Miami. Though no official disclosure exists, the ESPN report on Messi’s contract indirectly highlights that Beckham’s co-owner role is lucrative but pales next to the superstar’s playing compensation.

Bottom line: David Beckham is wealthier overall, but Lionel Messi currently earns far more from his day job. For Inter Miami fans, the real winner is the club’s balance sheet.

Who is the 19 year old player in Inter Miami?

Inter Miami’s youth pipeline includes Mateo Silvetti, a 19-year-old Argentine attacker who has begun to break into the first team. According to early scouting reports from MLSSoccer.com’s player profiles, Silvetti’s quick feet and finishing ability have drawn comparisons to fellow countryman Julian Alvarez.

What is Mateo Silvetti’s role in the team?

• Primarily deployed as a winger or second striker.
• Scored in a recent Inter Miami friendly, though league minutes remain limited.
• Viewed as a long-term investment under the club’s new technical staff.

The pattern: Inter Miami’s approach of blending mega-stars (Messi, Busquets) with young Argentine talent like Silvetti mirrors the blueprint that won the club its first trophy.

What this means: Silvetti’s emergence could allow Inter Miami to rotate aging stars without a drop in quality, a luxury few high-payroll teams possess.

Timeline: The March 22, 2026 match

Every pivotal MLS contest has a rhythm. Here’s how the latest NYCFC vs Inter Miami thriller unfolded.

• Early lead: Inter Miami took the lead through Gonzalo Lujan after a set-piece scramble, per the NYCFC match recap.
• NYCFC equalized: The home side responded quickly to level the score before halftime.
• Micael winner: Defender Micael headed the winning goal in the second half, settling the 3-2 scoreline (Livescores.biz).

The pattern: Inter Miami’s ability to recover from a deficit highlights their depth, while NYCFC’s fightback shows resilience.

What’s confirmed, what’s still murky

The implication: While key facts are well-sourced, the full financial picture around Messi and the rejected offer remains opaque, meaning future reporting could shift the narrative.

Key voices from both sides

“Messi’s salary is between $70 million and $80 million a year.”

— Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, as quoted by ESPN

“NYCFC fought back but couldn’t overcome a three-goal halftime deficit.”

— NYCFC official match recap, NYCFC.com

Bottom line: Inter Miami’s star power—both on the field and in the boardroom—has created a financial ecosystem where spending $70M on one player makes business sense. For NYCFC, the model is different: rely on development and a strong academy, not a single galactico. For both clubs, the path to an MLS Cup requires a choice between superstars and depth.

For a more detailed match recap, see detailed match recap which covers the 3-2 comeback win and its implications for the season.

Frequently asked questions

The implication: These FAQs cover the most common questions fans have about the matchup and the clubs’ key figures.