Messi and Inter Miami 'beat' classic baseball game in the US, MLS sets another record.

In the US, soccer has traditionally ranked behind baseball, basketball, and American football, but the presence of star player Messi has once again unexpectedly drawn the attention of fans there.

Messi is bringing soccer and the MLS league closer to other top sports in the US such as baseball, basketball, and American football.

"Messi's influence is so profound that even the baseball community in America is now starting to feel the heat. Despite the prestige and tradition of the New York Yankees baseball team, fans seem more captivated by Messi's on-field performance than by the batting prowess of the legendary Aaron Judge. And a recent poll has proven that," the Spanish newspaper Marca stated.

According to a poll by journalist Jose Armando of Deporte Total USA on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), 86.8% of American fans are more interested in and looking forward to watching the MLS Cup playoff first round game between Inter Miami and Atlanta United at 7:30 AM on October 26th than the baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers at the same time. The New York Yankees only attracted 9.7% of fans' attention. Approximately 3.5% chose to focus their attention on both events. Nearly 300 users of social media platform X participated in this poll.

"While it doesn't represent a real change and there has been considerable skepticism, this poll does show the significant influence and impact Messi has on American fans, who are now considering whether to watch soccer versus other traditional and popular sports in the US."

In fact, Messi's effect extends far beyond current Twitter or X polls. The ripple effect of this star's move to America can be felt everywhere. From social media to ticket sales, Messi is now the main attraction, even surpassing the most famous athletes in other sports in America," Marca emphasized.

MLS and Inter Miami benefit greatly from Messi.

Traditionally, MLB (Major League Baseball) has dominated MLS (Major League Soccer) in every aspect, from rankings to viewership. But with the arrival of Messi, things are changing.

Since Messi joined, Inter Miami FC has been transformed, with the team's value increasing to over $1 billion and its social media following skyrocketing from 1 million to over 17 million. From being the bottom-ranked team in the Eastern Conference, they rose to the top spot and won the Supporters' Shield in just one year. They have become the strongest contenders for the MLS Cup.

Messi helped Inter Miami see a surge in attendance, as did the entire MLS league.

The average attendance at Inter Miami matches also skyrocketed, from 12,000 per game in 2022 to 15,000 per game in 2023 (Messi started playing in July 2023). In the 2024 season, with the star player playing the entire season, attendance increased to 20,994 per game.

The "Messimania" craze has also greatly benefited the MLS league and its clubs. According to The Sporting News , MLS sponsorships have increased by 13% compared to the same period in 2023, while club sponsorships have also risen by 13%. For comparison, the league has signed a record 18 new sponsorship deals for the 2024 season.

"In every match Messi has played – although he only played 19 games due to injury and the Copa America – the stadiums have always sold out. The average attendance for MLS matches this season has reached a record 23,234 spectators per game, with a total of 11,454,295 fans attending matches, a 14% increase compared to 2022, the pre-Messi era," according to the Spanish newspaper AS .

Messi's performance has boosted MLS viewership.

Furthermore, Inter Miami's third kit (blue), featuring the number 10 and Messi's name, became the best-selling jersey in MLS history. So much so that MLS had to partner with European brands to distribute the item to fans as quickly as possible, according to AS .

In the upcoming MLS Cup match, TikTok has signed a historic agreement with MLS to exclusively film the star player during the game between Inter Miami and Atlanta United and broadcast it for free to viewers on the platform.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/messi-va-inter-miami-danh-bai-tran-bong-chay-kinh-dien-o-my-mls-lai-lap-ky-luc-185241024091456286.htm