Lionel Messi surprised the sporting world with his decision to continue his soccer career at Inter Miami. Many felt the World Cup winner would opt for a lucrative payout from the Saudi Pro League but his decision to join the MLS side has caused a seismic media impact in the US with his Miami move creating headlines over and above just the sporting world.
Messi’s arrival, influence and contribution was instrumental in helping Inter Miami win the first title in the club’s short history as Tata Martino’s men bagged the Leagues Cup, where Messi was the MVP of the competition and the top scorer.
His presence created a media storm with the likes of LeBron James, Leo DiCaprio, Selena Gomez and many other high profile celebrities anxious to see the mercurial Argentine at close quarters with Inter Miami home and away games selling out
Messi’s US arrival has also had an impact on merchandise sales with Adidas struggling to keep up with the demand for ‘Messi 10′ replica shirts with sales of the home pink and black away jersey expected to pulverize MLS sales records.
Messi: fashionista
Messi’s impact on US culture has not been lost on iconic fashion magazine Vogue as they name the home Inter Miami jersey as one of the 15 fashion items that defined 2023.
Alongside Nike Shox, underwear as outerwear, cat-eye sunglasses, Messi’s pink home jersey features as a 2023 essential with the style bible claiming:
“Immediately following the Messi announcement, the generic Inter Miami jersey, in an unexpected shade of un–Barbie pink, sold out, giving rise to a rich bootleg industry. Now, nearly five months later, the official Messi jersey, sporting his number 10, remains wait-listed in most sizes on the Adidas website”.
At present there seems to be no waning in Messi interest after Inter Miami announced that all the (increased price) tickets for home games at their DRV PNK stadium for the next season are sold out.
