MLS Adjusts Rules for Inter Miami Following Messi's Arrival
- Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in a record $150 million deal, significantly boosting the team's performance and revenue.
- The MLS has allowed Inter Miami to release both new home and away kits for the 2025 season, breaking traditional league rules.
- This decision reflects the league's strategy to capitalize on Messi's popularity and the surge in jersey sales.
In the United States, Major League Soccer (MLS) has made an exception for Inter Miami, allowing the team to break longstanding league rules due to the influence of Lionel Messi. After joining the club in a record $150 million deal, Messi has significantly impacted the team's performance, scoring 30 goals in 34 games and helping them secure two trophies. His presence has also led to a remarkable increase in club revenue, reportedly quadrupling to $200 million annually. As a result, the MLS has decided to permit Inter Miami to release both new home and away kits for the 2025 season, deviating from the usual practice of alternating kit releases. This decision is driven by the surge in jersey sales, which have increased by 43% since Messi's arrival, making his No. 10 shirt the top-selling jersey for two consecutive years. The league aims to capitalize on Messi's popularity, especially as he approaches the end of his contract and potential departure from the club.