Messi’s jersey set a world record

Lionel Messi, the soccer legend from Argentina, has made history not only on the field, but also in the market. His jersey sales have reached unprecedented levels, breaking records of other sports icons such as Tom Brady, LeBron James, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi’s jersey craze started after he led his national team to win the FIFA World Cup for the first time in Qatar 2022. The victory was a dream come true for Messi and his fans, who had witnessed him lose three previous finals in 2014, 2015, and 2016. After the triumph, Messi’s official Argentina jersey sold out worldwide, as fans rushed to get their hands on the coveted blue and white shirt.

The demand was so high that Adidas, the official sponsor of Argentina’s national team, had to issue a statement apologizing for the shortage and promising to restock as soon as possible. According to CNN, Adidas did not disclose how many jerseys were sold, but said that it was "the highest demand we have ever seen for a player or team jersey".

Messi’s jersey fever continued after he shocked the world by leaving PSG and joining Inter Miami in 2023. The move was unexpected, as Messi had signed a two-year contract with PSG in 2021, following his departure from Barcelona after 21 years. However, Messi decided to accept the offer from Inter Miami, which is owned by his former teammate David Beckham and plays in the Major League Soccer (MLS).

The announcement of Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami sparked a frenzy among his fans in the United States and beyond. According to Fanatics, the online retailer of official sports merchandise, Messi’s Inter Miami jersey sales hit a new record for any player who announced a change of team2. Messi surpassed three legends who had previously held the record: Cristiano Ronaldo when he returned to Manchester United in 2021, LeBron James when he left the Cavs to join the Lakers in 2020, and Tom Brady when he signed with the Buccaneers in 2019.

Messi’s Inter Miami jersey is now the best-selling jersey in the history of MLS, and one of the best-selling jerseys in the world. Fanatics did not reveal the exact number of jerseys sold, but said that it was “incredibly high” and that it expected to sell more as Messi continues to perform well with his new team.

Messi’s jersey success is a testament to his popularity and influence as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. His fans admire him not only for his skills and achievements, but also for his humility and passion. Messi has proven that he can shine in any league and any continent, and that he can inspire millions of people with his jersey.