The Messi Effect: 60% of All PSG Shirts Sold This Season Had Messi Printing

May 21, 2022

by Footy Headlines

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Since joining from Barcelona last summer, Lionel Messi has made a big financial impact at PSG. Merchandising revenue increased by 40% and 60% of all PSG shirts sold this season had Messi’s name and number on the back.

Messi Shirts Account for 60% of PSG Shirts Sold

Lionel Messi’s first season at PSG has not exactly been a roaring success on the pitch. His stats of 6 goals and 13 assists from 25 matches are well below his absurdly high standards, which he set in the more competitive La Liga, so achieving such low numbers in what is perceived as a weak league makes it even more disappointing. He failed to help them win the Champions League and he doesn’t seem to be happy in Paris, but at least the club will be happy with his contribution to their bank accounts.

PSG sell a huge range of merchandise, dropping a new collection or collaboration almost weekly. It is no coincidence that merchandising revenue rose by 40% (an increase of around €60 million) the same season Messi came to Paris. Merchandise includes everything from mugs, baseball bats and Jordan brand sneakers, but of course shirts are the most widely sold items. A huge 60% of all of those shirts were sold with Messi printed above the number 30 on the back.

As well as bringing in money from fans, Messi’s presence at the club attracted 11 new official sponsors, pushing total sponsorship revenue up to €310 million for the season. Of course PSG were an attractive prospect to potential partners even before the Argentine’s arrival, but would resale platform GOAT have been so keen on the deal were it not for the association with the 7 time Ballon d’Or winner?

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Ideally, the club would have liked an equally significant contribution from him on the pitch, but they will surely be satisfied with the return on their investment in a financial sense.