The only athlete selling more Jerseys than Messi

Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami in July 2023 has been nothing short of monumental, rewriting records and captivating fans in the United States. Not only has he helped his team secure their first-ever title by winning the Leagues Cup, but he has also made an indelible mark in American sports culture.
Messi's transfer to MLS was met with immense enthusiasm, and his jersey sales have soared. Fans in the U.S. and around the world can still purchase the Inter Miami number 10 jersey, proudly bearing Messi's name, from the official MLS website. In Europe, where Messi's global fan base continues to grow, those who have ordered his jersey can track their parcels using online shipping tracking services, ensuring they stay updated on the delivery of their cherished merchandise. Messi's global appeal continues to bridge continents and bring fans together, making his jersey a symbol of his enduring greatness. It's a testament to Messi's global appeal and his ability to draw crowds to stadiums.
However, in a surprising twist, Messi's jersey sales in the United States have yet to surpass those of an American football star—Jalen Hurts. This young quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles has established himself as the dominant figure in sports merchandise sales in the U.S., leaving even the great Messi trailing behind.
While Messi's jerseys have certainly been in high demand, surpassing those of any NBA or MLB team, it's Hurts who holds the title of the highest-selling athlete in these categories. This achievement is a remarkable feat, as no other player has ever witnessed such an extraordinary demand within the first 24 hours following a transfer announcement, as was the case for Messi when he made his move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Barcelona to Inter Miami.
At the age of 25, this Houston native, before embarking on his American football career with the universities of Alabama and Oklahoma, made a name for himself as a weightlifting sensation. His immense physical strength and dedication to the sport were demonstrated through a viral video that showcased him squatting over 270 kilograms in the company of his high school teammates. This exceptional display of power not only turned heads but also cemented his reputation as a formidable athlete.
Hurts' prowess as a quarterback has not gone unnoticed. In April, he signed a contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles that spans five years and is valued at a staggering $255 million. This lucrative deal has secured his position as the highest-paid player in NFL history. The total worth of Hurts' contract has even surpassed that of Deshaun Watson, the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, whose contract signed in 2022 was valued at $230 million.
In the world of American football, where competition is fierce and the stakes are high, Jalen Hurts has risen to become an iconic figure. His marketability transcends his performance on the field, and his influence extends far beyond the football stadium.
In the realm of sports merchandise sales in the United States, Jalen Hurts has carved his name alongside Lionel Messi, a testament to the diverse and passionate fan base that American sports offer. While Messi may be the world's most famous footballer, it's Hurts who currently reigns supreme in jersey sales, making history with every shirt emblazoned with his name.