WATCH: Lionel Messi’s store employee turns out to be a huge Cristiano Ronaldo fan

With Messi in the squad fans are hopeful of Inter Miami's title charge.

WATCH: Lionel Messi’s store employee turns out to be a huge Cristiano Ronaldo fan

(L-R) Messi, Ronaldo (Source: via Rex)

A store where Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami jerseys are being managed by a Cristiano Ronaldo fan. The short TikTok clip by ‘si_soccer’ showcases the influence the Portuguese man has over countries.

Light-hearted fun poked at the employee, Lionel Messi has made business much more lucrative for Inter Miami. Ticket prices have risen tenfold since Messi’s debut came against Cruz Azul. The cheapest ticket which is meant to be around $29 went all the way up to $459. Ticket prices for Messi’s debut MLS game against the New York Redbulls went up from $30 all the way to $512. Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami jersey made the most sales in the span of 24 hours. Surpassing the likes of Ronaldo’s jersey sales when he returned to Manchester United.

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Digging deeper into Messi’s influence, Inter Miami’s revenue is set to skyrocket with the Argentine. Inter Miami are currently looking at $200m in revenue by 2024. Triple what they initially expected before Lionel’s arrival. Companies will also be looking to invest in and sponsor Inter Miami. The club has recently announced its new multi-year contract with cruise line Royal Caribbean. Inter Miami have also seen an increase in social media numbers. 11 million followers in the span of 30 days since Messi’s arrival.

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With 12 million followers in total, Inter Miami possess more followers than every team in the NFL, NHL, and MLS. The ‘Lionel Messi’ effect has truly taken over America. Fans came together to watch the Argentine score on his MLS debut which was screened at Times Square.

Related: Inter Miami opens up prospect of signing Lionel Messi’s son in future after including him in club’s training academy

Why did Lionel Messi leave Europe?

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi (Source: via Reuters)

Lionel Messi has achieved everything imaginable. FIFA World Cup winner, 4x Champions League winner, 7x Ballon d’Or winner. The entire article could be filled with just his achievements. He could have easily added more and more titles from Europe, but many fans knew, that once he left Barcelona, Messi’s club achievements would not feel the same.

“After winning the World Cup and not being able to return to Barcelona, it was my turn to go to the league of the United States,” Messi told Mundo Deportivo. The player who was booed numerous times by the PSG crowd found no joy in the French team. It is easy to understand why he would prefer to not go back to a place where he is not truly appreciated. Winning the World Cup was his ultimate dream but he had to face the reality that he had to return to France. “To live football in another way… In a calmer way,” said Messi.

Before Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami were dead last and out of ideas. Since he stepped on the pitch for them, they have been undefeated, making fans believe that the MLS title can come to Miami.

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