Inter Miami's new kit 'leaked' as Messi helps break little-known MLS record
The impact of Lionel Messi's sensational move to the US has been made clear after Inter Miami sold enough shirts to be allowed to bring out a third-kit in 2024.
No footballer has inspired such widespread intrigue in the United States than the Argentine hero, who was afforded a rock star-like reception throughout the country following his move to MLS. The World Cup winner proved a hit with fans and major celebrities alike following his switch in the summer.
Now, 'Messi mania' has been put into some context after it emerged that Inter Miami shirts have proved so popular that David Beckham's team has been granted special dispensation to release a third strip. Alongside rivals LAFC, LA Galaxy, Kansas City and Portland Timbers, plans are in place for Adidas to produce an extra set of kits.
These clubs have been granted the privilege by MLS after they sold over 100,000 jerseys last season. It remains to be seen whether the latest range of kits will have a similar impact but there is no doubting that 2023's strips proved a major hit with consumers.
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According to Footy Headlines, the new Inter Miami third kit for 2024 will pay homage to iconic two-time Super Bowl winners the Miami Dolphins. With the Herons hailing from the same coastal Floridan city, the nod to the legendary NFL team will likely earn the MLS outfit new fans from the wider sporting world.
Vice City's pale pink jersey has become world-famous during 2023 after the club captured the services of eight-time Ballon d'Or victor Messi. Not only did the team's kit become a coveted item for soccer supporters stateside but the increased spotlight generated by 'Messi mania' sweeping the globe led to shirts becoming a must-have fashion item.
Shirts bearing Messi's iconic number 10 sold out almost immediately upon the announcement of his transfer from PSG, with sales outstripping even that of Tom Brady upon his switch to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This demand meant that a backlog of orders existed for months after his arrival in America.
Lionel Messi's #10 Inter Miami jersey proved a major hit with buyers in 2023Moreover, Tor Southard, the senior director of Adidas’ football section, told the New York Times that the company had received half a million orders Miami shirts in the aftermath of Messi's move. This meant that shirts were selling at a rate higher than established sporting institutions such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Arsenal.
In fact, Vogue Magazine even included Miami jerseys adorned with the World Cup winner's name among their top 15 fashion pieces that defined the year itself. After Messi's match-winning displays during his first six months stateside were watched by A-Listers including Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio and Prince Harry, it is easy to see why.
Explaining their reasoning, they wrote: “Immediately following the Messi announcement, the generic Inter Miami jersey, in an unexpected shade of un–Barbie pink, sold out, giving rise to a rich bootleg industry. Now, nearly five months later, the official Messi jersey, sporting his number 10, remains wait-listed in most sizes on the Adidas website.”
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