The Messi Effect: 60% of All PSG Shirts Sold This Season Had Messi Printing
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?
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.
Do you think Messi’s form will be more in line with his marketability next season? Comment below.
Vintage Football Shirts
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2003/05 Southampton Marsden #4 L/S Home Shirt (L) OM
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Gillingham FC 26-27 Home Kit Released
Gillingham FC's 2026-27 home shirt was revealed today. The design centers on the club's traditional royal blue with a subtle tonal wave pattern integrated across the chest and torso for added texture that remains understated from a distance. White trim accents the collar and sleeve cuffs, while the front features the MEMS Power Generation sponsor logo in white lettering.
MLS Players Wear Their National Flags on Kits Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Major League Soccer last weekend hosted a dedicated "Farewell Week" to send off its international stars. To mark the occasion, all clubs across the domestic league took to the pitch wearing specially customized kits that honored the various nations represented within their squads.
The most prominent visual update to the MLS uniforms was the addition of official national flags printed directly on the chest for all players and coaching staff. In a highly thoughtful and personalized touch, the league provided specialized double-flag variations for athletes holding dual citizenship. This bespoke detail allowed these specific players to proudly represent both their current homelands and their heritage simultaneously before joining their respective national team camps.
Beyond the chest graphics, teams also sported a unique set of squad numbers on the back of their shirts, featuring a custom pattern made up of the flags of all 48 countries participating in this summer's World Cup.
What do you think of this customized flag concept for the MLS World Cup Farewell Week? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
