In the US, soccer traditionally ranks behind baseball, basketball and football, but the presence of the famous player Messi once again caught the attention of fans here in a surprising way.
Messi brings soccer and MLS closer to other top sports in the US like baseball, basketball and football.
"Messi's influence is so profound that even the baseball community in the United States is now starting to feel the heat. Despite the prestige and tradition of the New York Yankees baseball team, fans seem to be more attracted to Messi's performance on the field than the batting prowess of the illustrious player Aaron Judge. And a recent poll proves it," said Marca (Spain).
Accordingly, a poll by journalist Jose Armando of Deporte Total USA on social network X (formerly Twitter) showed that up to 86.8% of American fans were interested in and waiting to watch the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs between Inter Miami and Atlanta United at 7:30 a.m. on October 26, more than the baseball match between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers at the same time. This match only attracted 9.7% of fans. Meanwhile, about 3.5% of people chose to pay attention to both events. This poll had nearly 300 users of social network X participating in the opinion.
"While it doesn't represent a real change and there has been some skepticism, this poll shows Messi's huge influence and impact on American fans, who now consider watching soccer over other sports that are traditionally and popularly played in the United States.
In fact, the Messi effect goes far beyond the current Twitter or X polls. The ripple effect of the star player's move to the US 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 the US," Marca emphasized.
MLS and Inter Miami benefit 'hugely' from Messi
Traditionally, MLB has eclipsed MLS in everything from ratings to viewership. But with Messi, that's changing.
Since Messi joined the club, Inter Miami has changed its life. The team's value has increased to more than 1 billion USD, and the number of followers on social media has skyrocketed from 1 million to more than 17 million. From the team ranked last in the Eastern region, after only one year, it rose to the number 1 position and won the Supporters' Shield. It has become the most promising candidate to win the MLS Cup.
Messi helps Inter Miami skyrocket in attendance, as well as the MLS
The average number of spectators coming to watch Inter Miami play also skyrocketed, from 12,000 people/match in 2022, to 15,000 people/match in 2023 (Messi plays from July 2023). In the 2024 season, with this famous player playing the whole season, the number of spectators increased to 20,994 people/match.
The “Messimania” craze has also benefited MLS and its clubs “hugely”. According to The Sporting News , MLS sponsorships have increased by 13% compared to the same period in 2023, while club sponsorships have also increased 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 has only played 19 matches due to injury and the Copa America - stadiums have been 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, up 14% compared to 2022, the pre-Messi era", according to AS (Spain).
Messi helps MLS audience surge
In addition, Inter Miami's third jersey (blue) with the number 10 and Messi's name, has become the best-selling jersey in MLS history. So much so that MLS has had to cooperate with brands in Europe to distribute this item to fans as soon as possible, according to AS .
In the near future, when Messi plays in the MLS Cup, social network TikTok has signed a historic agreement with MLS, to exclusively record this famous player in the match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United and broadcast it for free to viewers on this 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
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