Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has unquestionably been a game-changer for Major League Soccer (MLS), surpassing all initial expectations. His influence went beyond mere performance enhancements, as it not only secured the team’s first-ever silverware but also sent jersey and ticket prices skyrocketing.
Ticket prices for Inter Miami games soared so high that a Messi fan, Amanda Libre, sold a pre-ordered ticket to get ACL surgery. At a crucial point in Lionel Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami’s pink jersey conveniently trumped Tom Brady’s record of jersey sales.
Jalen Hurts triumphs over Lionel Messi
The transfer of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami has had a noticeable impact on the club’s merchandise sales. Since Messi’s arrival, sales of the team’s pink home and black away jerseys have increased significantly. His unparalleled popularity and star appeal have undeniably struck a chord with supporters, resulting in a significant increase in the club’s merchandise sales.
Despite Messi’s meteoric ascent in popularity, the most popular jersey in the United States no longer bears the Argentine striker’s name. According to ‘The New York Times,’ the title now belongs to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts dominates jersey sales through Fanatics, a prominent online retailer of sports apparel in the United States. This shift demonstrates the enduring prevalence of American football in the United States, with Hurts’ success on the field serving as the driving force behind these significant jersey sales.
Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles are off to a fantastic start in the new NFL season, holding a 5-1 record, making them strong contenders to return to the Super Bowl in February 2024. Given their success on the field, it’s not surprising that their jersey sales are thriving, contributing to Hurts’ status as the highest-selling athlete in jersey sales in the US.
Messi overtook Tom Brady and LeBron James in a sales triumph
Lionel Messi’s arrival in MLS has unquestionably had a transformative impact. According to Fanatics, a leading brand in tracking jersey sales, Messi has quickly outpaced established stars such as Tom Brady and LeBron James in the United States. While Brady’s move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and LeBron James’ transition to the Lakers were significant events for jersey sales, Messi’s entry into MLS has truly reshaped the landscape.
When Messi’s iconic number 10 football jerseys hit the market, Inter Miami’s official jersey supplier, Adidas, experienced an unprecedented surge in demand. The jerseys flew off the shelves, igniting a passionate frenzy among fans. In the face of this overwhelming demand, Adidas has assured fans that they will replenish the stores with these highly coveted jerseys within the next 60 days.
