Lionel Messi is currently sweeping the nation, as evidenced by Inter Miami’s social media following surpassing that of major league teams in the NFL, MLB, and NBA.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner captivated the interest of MLS viewers in 2023 after pulling off an incredible move to the US. He had led Inter Miami to a historic Leagues Cup victory and solidified his status as the most decorated player in history in just a few weeks after moving to Florida.

But Messi’s influence is felt off the pitch as well, as he is emerging as a commercial fantasy. He has sold replica shirts at a rate that breaks records and keeps drawing big-name sponsors and attendees to DRV PNK Stadium.Messi’s presence is clearly helping David Beckham and the other co-owners of the team, as Inter Miami is currently topping many social media charts in the United States. With 7.3 million followers on TikTok, they have more followers than any team in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. Meanwhile, only the LA Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Golden State Warriors, three of the biggest basketball teams in the world, can match the MLS team’s 15.4 million Instagram followers.

Prior to Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami’s average attendance was a league-worst 12,637. However, since raising ticket prices ahead of the 2024 campaign, the team hopes to raise even more money on the pitch and draw attention to their off-field endeavours.