The appearance of Lionel Messi not only brings professional impact but also helps Inter Miami benefit greatly commercially. Thanks to selling 100,000 jerseys this past season, Miami was given the rare opportunity to produce a third jersey.
MLS has granted Inter Miami the rights to produce a third new shirt for 2024. According to Footy Headlines, this shirt will be turquoise, inspired by the Miami Dolphins.
Since arriving in the US in the summer of 2023, Messi has helped Miami’s pink jerseys often go out of stock with incredible sales. The World Cup champion’s number 10 shirts quickly became a fashion item in the US. Fans as well as A-list stars flocked to watch this legend play. During his first few months in Miami, big names including Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez and LeBron James came to watch Messi play.
In addition to Miami, other MLS teams such as LAFC, LA Galaxy, Kansas City and Portland Timbers will also have the privilege of having a third kit next season.
The achievement of selling more than 100,000 shirts proves the cultural impact of Messi moving to the US in less than 6 months. In fact, sales of Miami’s light pink jerseys set a new record as they outstripped football star Tom Brady’s jersey sales when he moved to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020.
Tor Southard, Adidas’ senior director of soccer, also informed the New York Times that orders for Miami jerseys had reached the 500,000 mark after Messi announced his move to Miami in the summer. This number is higher than the number achieved by MU, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Arsenal in the same period.
Miami’s jersey also makes a strong impression on consumers from a fashion perspective. Famous magazine Vogue put Miami’s pink jersey on its list of must-have items this year. The fact that this magazine calls on the public to own jerseys bearing Messi’s name proves the power and influence of this star.
