Inter Miami set to be allowed to break MLS rule followed by all other clubs due to Lionel Messi impact: Reports
According to Footy Headlines (via World Soccer Talks), Inter Miami will be allowed to break MLS rules pertaining to the release of new jerseys because of Lionel Messi's influence. The 37-year-old joined the Herons in 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and has brought immense success to the club both on and off the pitch.
In his first season at the club, he led Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 14 games across competitions. This term, Messi has guided his club to the Supporters' Shield and is on course to lead them into the MLS Cup playoffs.
Similarly, the Argentine icon has also brought the club huge success off the pitch commercially and marketing-wise. Since his arrival, Inter Miami have secured notable multi-million deals with brands like Chase, Audi, Addidas, and Royal Caribbean. The club's co-owner Jorge Mas has also disclosed that the club's revenue has increased hugely since he joined the club.
Most notably, Messi's Inter Miami jersey has been in huge demand, also raking in huge revenue for the MLS side. This has now resulted in the club being allowed to break MLS rules about jerseys. Generally, clubs in the MLS are allowed to release only one new kit (either home or away) every season, while retaining the other from the previous season.
However, as per the aforementioned report, Inter Miami are set to dish out new home and away jerseys for the 2025 season so that fans can get a new Lionel Messi jersey. The Herons will reportedly design their next sets of kits to honor the Argentine's achievements in football.
According to Futbol Miami TV host, Pieter Brown, Inter Miami will be allowed to break the jersey rule because of the commercial benefits involved. 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," Brown added.
Lionel Messi has been instrumental to Inter Miami's success this season, contributing 19 goals and 12 assists in 21 games across competitions for the Herons. By winning the Supporters' Shield, he extended his record for most trophies won by a male player in football (46).
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are one match away from creating MLS history
Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates are one game shy of creating MLS history for the most points in a single regular season. The Herons confirmed their status as the best team in the MLS, beating Columbus Crew 3-2 on Thursday, October 3, to lift the Supporters' Shiled.
Over the weekend, Inter Miami beat Toronto FC 1-0 and now have only one game left in the regular season. If they secure all three points in their last game against New England Revolution, they will reach a total of 74 points.
This would surpass the current record of most points in a single season (73), which was set in 2012 by the same team they are scheduled to face for their final season fixture.
Lionel Messi is expected to captain his side as they look to set an unprecedented MLS record.