Messi and Suárez Are Breaking MLS Jersey Sales Records

If anyone doubted Lionel Messi’s impact in the U.S., just check out the top-selling MLS jerseys in 2024. Once again, Messi sits at the top. The Argentine hasn’t just transformed Inter Miami CF into a sports marketing powerhouse, but he’s also brought his trusty sidekick, Luis Suárez, right alongside him to claim second place.

Honestly, this isn’t just a brilliant move by the MLS—it’s a true game-changer. Sure, jersey sales have exploded, but what’s happening goes way beyond that. We’re witnessing the dawn of a new era in the world’s most popular sport, and it’s happening right here.

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Let’s face it—no one’s surprised Messi’s jersey is the top seller. We’re talking about the most popular player on the planet! Now, with both Messi and Suárez landing in Miami, everything’s changed. The MLS didn’t just draw a global audience; it hit the sweet spot with American fans too. Calling this a home run wouldn’t even do it justice. These jerseys flying off the shelves aren’t just clothing—they’re a sign that soccer is finally finding its place in the land of the Yankees.

But let’s look beyond the sales numbers for a second. Suárez isn’t just selling jerseys; he’s selling dreams. Here in the U.S., soccer has always been seen as an untapped goldmine, and the arrival of these superstars is like striking it rich.

And don’t think the jersey fever stops with Messi and Suárez. Denis Bouanga from LAFC is close behind in third place, with players like Luciano Acosta and Cucho Hernández right on his heels. What’s crazy is that a few years ago, these names wouldn’t have even registered with the average American soccer fan, but now, they’re becoming icons.

It’s not just about individual talent, though. The growth of MLS is being driven by something bigger: the internationalization of soccer in the U.S. That means it’s not just Americans buying these jerseys; there’s a whole legion of fans worldwide jumping on board. With soccer’s global popularity on the rise and the U.S. being a consumer giant, it was bound to blow up.

This is where Messi and Suárez come in. These guys aren’t just two of the best players the world’s ever seen. When Suárez pulls on that Inter Miami jersey, he’s not just repping the club—he’s selling the idea that MLS is a league worth following. And guess what? It’s working. With players from 14 countries and 14 clubs in the top-selling jersey list, it’s clear that the league is becoming a truly global force. And this? This is just the beginning.

Six of the players on the list are 25 or younger. That’s huge because it shows that MLS isn’t just a retirement home for aging stars. It’s a league where young talent is emerging, ensuring the sport’s growth continues here.

Another smart move by MLS? The diversity of its players’ backgrounds. We’re talking about names that have lit up World Cups, like Messi, Suárez, and Giroud, but also players who are just starting to make their mark in MLS, like Pedro de la Vega and Emil Forsberg. These players bring massive fanbases with them from all over the globe. And that mix of experience and youth is exactly what the league needed to solidify its place as a soccer powerhouse.

Of course, MLS is growing, but it’s still facing challenges. Competing with traditional leagues like the Premier League and La Liga is no easy task. For many fans outside the U.S., American soccer is still seen as a step below. But with every big signing and every jersey sold, the league is slowly but surely changing that perception, step by step.

Top 25: Best-selling MLS player jerseys, 2024 season

Lionel Messi - Inter Miami CF
Luis Suárez - Inter Miami CF
Denis Bouanga - LAFC
Luciano Acosta - FC Cincinnati
Cucho Hernández - Columbus Crew
Olivier Giroud - LAFC
Riqui Puig - LA Galaxy
Hany Mukhtar - Nashville SC
Jordan Morris - Seattle Sounders FC
Pedro de la Vega - Seattle Sounders FC
Sergio Busquets - Inter Miami CF
Jacob Shaffelburg - Nashville SC
Eduard Löwen - St. Louis CITY SC
João Klauss - St. Louis CITY SC
Jordi Alba - Inter Miami CF
Darlington Nagbe - Columbus Crew
Emil Forsberg - New York Red Bulls
Sebastián Driussi - Austin FC
Christian Benteke - D.C. United
Brian Gutiérrez - Chicago Fire FC
João Paulo - Seattle Sounders FC
John Tolkin - New York Red Bulls
Dániel Gazdag - Philadelphia Union
Raúl Ruidíaz - Seattle Sounders FC
Diego Chará - Portland Timbers