Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has become the league’s central attraction, driving attention from football supporters and fans of American sport alike. The reported sale demonstrates the scale of that crossover.
The card combines:
A report also says MLS recorded a 35% rise in attendance while its audience on Apple increased. Even allowing for the limits of a single report, the direction is clear: Messi’s presence has made the league easier to market internationally.
The commercial story depends on performances. The update says Messi had 12 goals and eight assists in 14 appearances for Inter Miami, a return that keeps his on-field impact aligned with his celebrity.
That form will matter even more with Argentina preparing to defend its World Cup title. The report says Messi has recently dealt with posterior-thigh discomfort and has trained only partially at times, so his fitness remains a significant storyline rather than a settled concern. At 38, managing his workload will be as important as his ability to create decisive moments.
Messi’s potential appearance at the 2026 World Cup gives every MLS performance additional visibility. A strong tournament build-up would strengthen both Argentina’s prospects and the league’s international profile.
The next test is whether Messi can sustain his reported production for Inter Miami while arriving fully fit for Argentina’s campaign. For MLS, every goal now carries commercial weight-and every collectible tied to him reinforces the league’s new place in the global sports market.