Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi tops list of best-selling MLS shirts in 2023 with one surprise name missing from top 25

The Argentina sensation has lit up the American league since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in July and it is no surprise to see that there is a huge demand for his shirt.

No player's jersey has sold more than Messi's this season, while two of his Inter Miami team-mates - Sergio Busquets and Josef Martinez - also made the top 25.

St Louis City hero Joao Klauss came in second in the list, Hany Mukhtar of Nashville was third and Sebastian Driussi and Carlos Vela were fourth and fifth respectively.

Two other former Premier League stars Carlos Vela - 12th-placed Chicharto and Xherdan Shaqiri, who came in 25th - are also on the list.

Messi's rocket to the top of the list comes after just four appearances in MLS, in which he has scored one goal and set up two.

The 36-year-old had a blistering start for Inter Miami when he scored 10 goals in seven matches in the Leagues Cup, guiding the Florida club to their first ever trophy.

There is one surprising omission from the top 25, however, as Luciano Acosta did not make the cut.

The FC Cincinnati midfielder has scored 15 goals and registered nine assists in 28 appearances in MLS, but there has not been enough interest in his jersey to put him on the list.

A total of four previous MVPs are still on there, though, as Vela, Martinez, Carles Gil and Mukhtar made the cut.

Messi was left out of their most recent MLS match - a 1-1 draw against Orlando City - because of a muscle injury and it has not been decided if he is ready to return for the weekend's fixture against NYCFC.