Why MLS are allowing Lionel Messi & Inter Miami to break rules – with Herons snapping tradition in the United States

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi made his way to North America in the summer of 2023. He has made a stunning impact on and off the field, with two trophies – the Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield – being added to his record-breaking collection while in Florida.

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Inter Miami are now in the hunt for a historic MLS Cup crown, with Messi about to lead a play-off charge there. It is claimed that club revenue has quadrupled since David Beckham and Co lured Messi to Chase Stadium, with the Argentine superstar a money-making machine.

With that in mind, Inter Miami are being given permission to bend certain rules. Traditionally, MLS clubs have released one new jersey per season – alternating between home and away shirts. According to Footy Headlines, the Herons will have two completely new offerings for 2025.

Pieter Brown, host of the fan-run YouTube channel Futbol Miami TV, has said of Inter Miami getting special treatment: “They sell more jerseys than anybody else in the league. So much so that they’re going to be allowed to break MLS rules. Basically, [every team] gets a new jersey every year but it’s every other year for the home or away. [Inter Miami] is breaking tradition because they sell a boatload of jerseys because Inter Miami, MLS, and Adidas can make a whole lot more money if everybody who already bought the pink jersey will buy the new pink jersey.”

Messi’s jersey is the biggest-selling in MLS, but overall sales are up by 41 per cent across the last two years. As a result, adidas and Co are eager to cash in and make as much Messi merchandise available as possible. That means a club that has delivered a new pink kit and green third design in 2024 will be cleared to flood the market again ahead of the next MLS campaign.