The arrival of Lionel Messi sent jersey sales soaring and the now-famous pink shirts can be seen on soccer fans around the world.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Jan 22nd, 2024 12:00 EST
JOE RAEDLEAFP
It is difficult to truly measure the full extent of Lionel Messi’s importance to Inter Miami.
On the field, his influence was clear. His incredible early form dragged a struggling side to Leagues Cup glory, securing the first piece of silverware in club history. He conjured starring performances out of young talents Benjamin Cremaschi and Facundo Farías, and, from nowhere, sparked a mid-season turnaround that has made Miami one of the favorites to lift MLS Cup this year.
But his commercial influence was no less profound, packing stadiums across the country and sparking a huge surge in subscribers for the Apple TV+ MLS Season Pass. He also sold the most jerseys of any MLS player, which has helped the club to a new milestone.
In 2024 Inter Miami will be one of a select number of teams with a third kit.
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Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami jersey has become one of the most popular in the world.MARVIN RECINOSAFP
MLS rules permit every club to produce two kits for each season, one home and one away. But a small number of teams who sell an exceptional number of jerseys are allowed an additional ‘third kit’ for the following campaign. Reports suggest that Inter Miami, Los Angeles FC, LA Galaxy, Sporting Kansas City and Portland Timbers have that option for 2024.
In recent years Miami’s kits have centered around the club’s pink and black colorway, with the reverse typically used for the away kit. But this year, with an additional jersey in the pipeline, they could get creative with the design.
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Inter Miami could copy Dolphins’ colorway
South Florida has a reputation for the outrageous, the dazzling, and Inter Miami could soon add even more color to their jersey lineup. Iconic NFL franchise Miami Dolphins are famed for their aqua-blue and orange kit, which Inter Miami are reportedly considering for their 2024 third kit.
The Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium is just 25 minutes from DRV PNK Stadium and the Herons are looking to include elements of Miami culture in their kit designs.
The club’s crest features references to the city’s history with the art deco movement, the Hispanic population and the vibrancy of the colors. Above all else, the great white heron is native to Florida and has become intrinsically linked to the club through the badge.
For all MLS and MLS Cup games you can catch them on Apple TV
At @HardRockStadium and on the road, we felt your support all season long.Thank you, Dolfans 🧡 pic.twitter.com/akTbLdpKAL
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 16, 2024
Beckham wants blue for Miami
In an interview in the UK last year, club president David Beckham revealed the inspiration for the clubs now-famous pink jerseys. The color is rarely used in the soccer kits and the decision to do so raised eyebrows, but Beckham was convinced that pink was the right color for his new sporting project.
“Drive around Miami and it’s a very recurring color,” he explained. “At the time a lot of people were saying, ‘Don’t go for pink.’ I was the one who said it has to be the main color. So that was me. I’m actually very proud of it. I am glad I held my nerve and pushed it through.”
Now, with the team having risen to global fame, the Inter Miami president has more ideas for the club. Appearing on a video with Classic Football Shirts Beckham revealed that he had previously pushed for royal blue, a shade that he wore as a Real Madrid player in the 2004/05 season.
