Lionel Messi’s incredible record of adidas jersey sales with Inter Miami

New figures from MLS show that Messi remains a world-leader when it comes to commercial reach.

Monday marked one year since Lionel Messi made his first starring intervention in an Inter Miami jersey, coming off the bench to strike a stunning stoppage time winner in his debut against Cruz Azul.

Over the following 12 months Messi led the team to a Leagues Cup triumph, broke countless MLS record and has helped Miami to the top of the Eastern Conference in 2024. However those on-field heroics are just one part of Messi’s impact.

New data released by MLS show that jersey sales across the league have increased by 17% over the past year and Messi’s icon No. 10 is the most popular of them all. In fact, Messi’s Inter Miami shirt has been purchased more times than any other Adidas soccer jersey.

Messi’s incredible reach has ensured that an MLS jersey is now more popular than any player at Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal or Juventus. It even beats Messi’s own Argentina shirt.

MLS interest explodes in first year of Messi

Messi’s sensational first appearance in pink made headlines around the world and sparked a huge spike in social media activity around MLS. But that spark was more than just a fleeting moment and Messi has helped to bring legions of new fans to the league.

MLS reports that engagement on the league and it’s teams’ social media channels has enjoyed a 230% rise on the same point last season. In total, that’s more than 400 million social interactions in the first seven months of 2024.

The league’s social following is currently growing faster than any other men’s sports league in North America, while the number of views of @MLS video content has tripled over the past year.

Some may argue that this Messi-inspired interest will soon die down once the 37-year-old decides that his playing days are behind him. But MLS is well-placed to capitalise on the final glittering displays of his incredible career. Messi’s genius will, one day, leave MLS. The league’s job is to ensure that the supporters stay long after he goes.