The arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami this summer has undoubtedly transformed the fortunes of the American club. Not only has he elevated the team’s on-field performance, but his presence has also sparked a marketing frenzy that has taken the club to new heights. However, it seems that Inter Miami has found a rather questionable way to capitalize on the Messi phenomenon, leaving their loyal supporters feeling deceived.
When a player of Messi’s caliber joins a club, it is only natural for fans to be overcome with excitement. The same happened at Inter Miami, where preparations were made to accommodate the Pulga’s arrival in Major League Soccer. The club expanded its stadium and ensured that its commercial operations were up to par with the impact of the Argentine superstar. With 11 goals and 5 assists already under his belt since joining Miami, Messi has not only brought success on the field but has also secured the first-ever trophy in Inter Miami’s history. As a result, the club has become a force to be reckoned with in the MLS.
However, just a few months into his American adventure, Lionel Messi has become a victim of his own success. The official Inter Miami store has run out of jerseys bearing his name and number, leaving fans desperate to get their hands on one. But fear not, for the club has found a solution, albeit a controversial one.
According to reports from The Mirror, while the current season’s Messi jerseys are unavailable, there are still a few from 2020 in circulation. Inter Miami has seized this opportunity and decided to put these older jerseys, which have been languishing in unsold stock, back on sale. The only alteration? The addition of Lionel Messi’s name on the back. Fans who are eager to sport the Argentine’s name on their jerseys are being charged a hefty €140 for these outdated garments.
This marketing ploy has not gone unnoticed, with even Adidas, the club’s kit supplier, finding themselves in a state of panic due to the rapid depletion of stock. The company now faces months of delays in replenishing their inventory. It seems that Inter Miami is determined to squeeze every last drop of profit from their outdated merchandise, regardless of the ethical implications for their loyal supporters.
While this strategy may be a lucrative one for the Florida franchise, it raises questions about the club’s commitment to its fanbase. Is it fair to exploit the enthusiasm and loyalty of supporters who are eager to show their support for Messi and the team? The answer is subjective, but one thing is clear: the sales of jerseys continue to skyrocket, with Inter Miami yet to taste defeat since the World Cup champion joined their ranks. The fans, blissfully unaware of the deception, are content with their purchases.
Inter Miami’s decision to sell outdated Messi jerseys as a means of generating revenue is a controversial move that has both financial benefits and ethical concerns. While it may be a clever business tactic, it leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of loyal supporters who feel deceived. As the club continues to bask in the glow of Messi’s arrival, it remains to be seen whether this marketing strategy will have a lasting impact or if it will ultimately tarnish the club’s reputation.
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