Lionel Messi’s move to Major League Soccer (MLS) and his donning of the No. 10 shirt for Inter Miami has garnered significant attention, not just for his soccer prowess but also for its impact on fashion.
The recent auction of Messi’s jerseys in New York has intensified his global popularity, with fans eagerly travelling to Miami to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner play.
What has been particularly striking is the fashion influence of Messi’s Inter Miami jersey. Vogue, a leading lifestyle magazine, acknowledged the jersey as one of the most coveted apparel items of the past year.
The magazine emphasized the unique “un-Barbie pink” colour of Messi’s jersey, noting how it stands out in the world of football apparel. This fashion statement led to a rapid sell-out of the generic Inter Miami jerseys and sparked a surge in the bootleg market. Even after five months, the official Messi jersey, emblazoned with his iconic number 10, remains in high demand, with most sizes on a waitlist on the Adidas website.
Messi’s Impact Beyond the Pitch
Messi’s influence extends beyond his on-field performance, impacting fashion and celebrity culture. High-profile personalities like LeBron James, Kim Kardashian, and Selena Gomez have been spotted wearing the jersey and attending Inter Miami games. Furthermore, Messi played a crucial role in leading David Beckham’s team to their first trophy, the 2023 Leagues Cup, contributing 10 goals and cementing his status as a key player in the sporting and fashion worlds.
