This season, Lionel Messi has been the top seller of Major League Soccer shirts; another Inter Miami star is among the top ten.
According to MLS Soccer, Messi, the Argentine World Cup winner, is the best-selling shirt for the 2024 season, followed by colleague Luis Suarez of Inter Miami. With Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the top 15, they are the only two members of their team to place in the top 10. Los Angeles FC’s headline addition, Olivier Giroud, is down in sixth.
THOSE TEN
First, Lionel Messi of Inter Miami
2. Luis Suarez, Miami Inter
3. LAFC’s Dennis Bouanga
4. Cincinnati FC’s Luis Acosta
5. Cucho HernandezColumbus Crew
6. LAFC’s Olivier Giroud
Riqui Puig of LA Galaxy 7.
8. Hany Mukhtar, Southern Carolina
9. Seattle Sounders rookie Jordan Morris
Pedro de la Vega, 10.Seattle Sounders
Miami and the MLS have benefited greatly from Messi’s presence in terms of increased interest, income, and other factors. After helping Miami win their first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup, last year, and currently topping the MLS Eastern Conference standings, the 37-year-old is still proving he can perform on the field. Things are looking very promising in Miami with Messi leading the way, and the MLS Supporters’ Shield now appears to be a realistic outcome.
In 2023, Messi was also the #1 seller of MLS jerseys. In just 30 games since moving from Barcelona to Miami last year, the veteran has already scored 27 goals and provided 17 assists.
Messi might play for Miami on Wednesday when they play Atlanta United away from home in a matchup between 10th and first place. On Saturday, they play New York City, who is in sixth place. On September 29, they host seventh-place Charlotte to close out the month.