The arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami had a seismic impact on Major League Soccer, both on and off the field. The Argentine superstar’s transfer to the Herons has not only elevated the league’s profile but also generated unprecedented commercial success for Inter Miami. In a remarkable feat, David Beckham’s Inter Miami has now surpassed European soccer giants, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and others – in terms of jersey sales in North America.

Although the herons have finally said goodbye to their MLS season and suffered a sporting setback, the non-sporting commercial success that Messi’s arrival has generated speaks volumes about the impact of the Argentine star. Let’s delve deeper and uncover the story behind Messi’s fanatical jersey sales.

The impact of a ‘Lionel Messi’ jersey on Inter Miami and Adidas

In an exclusive interview with the New York Times, Adidas’ senior director for soccer, Tor Southard commented on the effect of Lionel Messi’s arrival in the US back in summer. As Lionel Messi arrived to join the Herons in August, it was revealed that Messi’s Inter Miami shirt with the ‘10′ on the back became the most desired and sold sports item in the world. With the confirmation of Messi’s signing, Adidas received a whopping half a million orders from retail stores and suppliers to obtain the jersey of Lionel Messi.

The day on which Messi’s signing was announced, the coveted No. 10 jersey vanished in thin air from all the physical and virtual stores in America. This touted Lionel Messi towards another record-breaking feat., as no player in the history of sports has sold more shirts than Messi in the first 24 hours after his transfer to Inter Miami. The Messi effect surpassed everyone’s expectations, as the Argentine, even crossed the mark set by Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United.

“It is difficult to exaggerate the demand that Messi has created. Official sales have exceeded all the benchmarks that Adidas could have imagined,” Southard claimed with delight, as compiled by AS. Lionel Messi generated an even greater buzz regarding his shirt sales, than David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s time in MLS, with LA Galaxy.

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With this remarkable feat, Inter Miami is now the best-selling Adidas soccer jersey in North America, ahead of all five of the storied European clubs sponsored by Adidas: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal.

Messi’s arrival – A boon for Inter Miami’s finances

Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated arrival in the MLS has been a major boon for Inter Miami’s financial success this year. The Herons have generated record revenues since acquiring Lionel Messi, thanks to the record-breaking shirt sales and sponsorship agreements. Miami’s increased numbers validate the league’s growing appeal and potential. It showcases the fact that MLS can now attract and retain the top talent in the soccer world.

The ‘Messimania’ has redefined jersey sales records and catapulted Inter Miami to unprecedented heights, making it the crown jewel in Adidas’ soccer collection. As Lionel Messi continues to display his prowess on the pitch, it’s his off-field magic that attracts fans. It is quite evident that Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has been a game-changer for the club and the MLS.

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