- Lionel Messi is expected to participate in his sixth and possibly last World Cup following his selection in Argentina’s team for the 2026 event.
- Inter Miami was listed among the world’s top five teams for jersey sales in 2025, showcasing Messi’s ongoing worldwide impact after joining Major League Soccer.
- The team led by Messi sold more jerseys globally than Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, continuing the ongoing competition between the two soccer icons.
Following the announcement by Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni that Lionel Messi is included in the country’s official 26-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, enthusiasm for the competition has already begun to grow worldwide.
At 38 years of age, the Argentina team’s leader is getting ready for what is anticipated to be his sixth and last World Cup participation.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or champion will participate in the event with a distinctive achievement that sets him apart from his longtime competitor, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Record Messi Brings to the World Cup
Argentina have started their training camp in Kansas City before the 2026 World Cup, aiming to retain the title they secured in 2022. Messi and Rodrigo De Paul were among the most recent players to join the team.
Messi has been generating significant media attention in the United States since he joined Inter Miami CF in June 2023. Since his arrival, the team has secured four championships and greatly increased its international recognition.
Under Messi’s leadership, similar to his role at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, the legendary No. 10 jersey with his name swiftly emerged as one of the most sought-after football shirts globally.
As per data published by Euroméricas Sport Marketing, Inter Miami and Messi were included in the top five clubs with the highest jersey sales globally in 2025, even amid rivalry from players like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Lamine Yamal.
Top-Selling Soccer Shirts Around the Globe (2025)
- Real Madrid Club de Fútbol – 3,133,000
- FC Barcelona – 2,940,000
- Paris Saint-Germain – 2,546,000
- FC Bayern Munich – 2,377,000
- Inter Miami CF – 2,166,000
The statistics emphasize Messi’s massive worldwide popularity and position Inter Miami above many classic European clubs, such as Manchester United and Juventus.
They also rank the MLS team higher than Ronaldo’s club, Al Nassr FC, which came in 10th with 1,281,000 jerseys sold.
The teams that finished above Al Nassr were:
- Boca Juniors – 1,933,000
- Manchester United Football Club – 1,855,000
- CR Flamengo – 1,677,000
- Chelsea FC – 1,422,000
The increasing excitement surrounding the 2026 World Cup has further enhanced this trend. Argentina’s new jersey, created as a homage to the country’s three World Cup victories, is already one of the most popular jerseys among collectors and fans.
Consequently, the competition between Messi and Ronaldo extends beyond the field. In terms of jersey sales, the current world champion is currently leading, although Ronaldo’s recent triumph in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr might affect future standings.
At the same time, both football legends are getting ready to create history by participating in their sixth World Cup.
Argentina kick off their journey against the Algerian national football team on June 16, whereas Portugal will play against the Democratic Republic of the Congo national team on June 17.
jasdooit 
Leave a comment