For the past year, arguably the most popular jersey in American sports hasn't come from the NFL or MLB , but from an unmistakable pink number belonging to world soccer's greatest star.
Within a couple days of Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami CF in June of 2023, Adidas manufacturers had received more than 500,000 orders for new jerseys in the MLS club's distinct "electric" pink. The "Little Magician" soon claimed the league's most popular jersey despite arriving halfway through the season, and by October, Fanatics claimed to have sold more Messi jerseys than any other athlete besides Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts .
After winning a record eight Ballon d'Or trophies and cementing his legacy as arguably the best soccer played of all time, the Argentinian quickly found success in his first full season with David Beckham's club. Through 12 games this season, Messi has totaled 12 goals and 10 assists while leading Inter Miami to second place in the MLS.
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Messi once again marks the epicenter of a similarly seismic jersey release on Tuesday, modeling one of the five jerseys released as a part of the MLS' Archive Collection. The new line of jerseys was designed to pay homage to the league's history, and while Inter Miami was only founded in 2018, the kit tributes the Miami Dolphins' teal color scheme and the pastel tones associated with South Florida.
Four other teams received alternate as part of Tuesday's release, including Sporting KC, LA Galaxy, LAFC and the Portland Timbers. The throwback series is planned to continue into 2025, with the next crop of teams receiving a third kit yet to be determined.
"Drawing on the nostalgic look of sports broadcasting, advertising, magazines and catalogs, the Archive Collection combines different visual languages to create a unique narrative," the Inter Miami CF Communications Department wrote in a statement. "By celebrating the past while also staying relevant to the next generation of fans, the collection is not just a throwback, the vintage aesthetic and authentic details pay homage to the greatness that never fades."
Messi's new jersey is currently for sale on the MLS store along with the rest of the Archive Collection here. For a look at the complete look at the Argentinian's Inter Miami jerseys, browse the links below:
The quintessential bright pink Inter Miami kit can be found here, featuring the team's crest on the front with Messi's last name and iconic No. 10 on the back. Made of 100 percent polyester, the jersey is officially licensed by the Adidas Store.
This women's home jersey features the same design with a slimmer cut around the waist. Featuring the phrase "Freedom to Dream" on the back collar, these kits are equipped with moisture-absorbing AEROREADY technology. Supply is running low on these iconic pink tops, so make sure to grab yours today!
This away jersey is black with familiar hot pink trim, also incorporating an undulating, g littering design that weaves throughout the top and is designed to represent the iconic Miami waterfront. Designed with 100 percent recycled material, the jersey furthers Adidas' commitment to end plastic waste.
The women's cut away jersey features the same glistening representation of the Miami coast in a sleeker design. Notably, this jersey does not include Messi's name and number, instead featuring an empty back of the jersey. The shirt is made of high-quality, imported materials and promises endurance and longevity through all types of use.
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