The MLS has allowed Inter Miami to break some longstanding rules in the league – because of Lionel Messi.
Messi’s move to the MLS has already been arguably the biggest in the history of the United States, perhaps more so than Pele and David Beckham.
And it comes after joining Beckham’s team – Inter Miami – signing a jaw-dropping $150million contract last year when they were bottom of the league.
Since then, Messi’s 30 goals in 34 games have seen the Florida outfit bag two trophies and sit atop of the Eastern Conference.
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in a huge deal
Reuters
Many have made Inter the hot favourites to win the MLS Cup, with Messi being since joined by his old Barcelona pals Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
Beckham’s Messi bet has paid off with club revenue reportedly quadrupling to $200m a year since the Argentine’s arrival.
And the MLS have also earned a fair chunk since the World Cup winner moved Stateside and are allowing special dispensaries as a result.
It is no surprise to hear that Messi’s No. 10 shirt at Inter Miami is the top-selling jersey for a second year in a row.
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But Inter Miami plan on breaking MLS rules by releasing new home and away kits for the 2025 season.
Teams from the United States are usually only allowed to release one new kit a season – alternating between whether to drop a home strip or an away one.
The other one is then carried over from the year before.
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Lionel Messi shirts sell the most in the United States
Reuters
However, with MLS jersey sales increasing by 43 per cent, they are prepared to allow Inter Miami to release both new home and away kits – to capitalise further on Messi’s time at the club.
And with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner already eyeing a departure when his contract expires, the MLS are keen to cash in as much as possible.
Fan-run YouTube channel Futbol Miami TV host Pieter Brown explained why Inter are set for special exemption from MLS rules.
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Lionel Messi has been in fine form for Inter Miami
PA
He said: “They sell more jerseys than anybody else in the league. So much so that they’re going to be allowed to break MLS rules.
“Basically, [every team] gets a new jersey every year but it’s every other year for the home or away.
“[Inter Miami] is breaking tradition because they sell a boatload of jerseys because Inter Miami, MLS, and Adidas can make a whole lot more money if everybody who already bought the pink jersey will buy the new pink jersey.”