Inter Miami are being allowed to break MLS rule thanks to Lionel Messi

Inter Miami are being allowed to break MLS rules because of Lionel Messi’s unparalleled appeal, it has been claimed.

Lurched at the bottom of the Eastern Conference when he joined David Beckham’s franchise, Messi has guided the Herons to two trophies after scoring 30 goals in 34 games.

Tata Martino’s men have just claimed the MLS Supporters’ Shield and are one of the favourites to go all the way in the MLS Cup.

But off the pitch, the signing of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been generated an unprecedented level of success in a commercial and marketing sense.

Since his arrival, the Florida outfit have signed 11 major multi-million deals, including Royal Caribbean, Chase and Audi.

Co-owner Jorge Mas has said the club’s revenue has nearly quadrupled to $200 million each year following his move.

Shirt sales, mainly for ‘Messi 10’, have been through the roof and it appears as though the club are going to be allowed to make an unprecedented kit decision.

Typically in the MLS, clubs carry over their kits – releasing either a home or an away and keeping the other.

Inter were also one of a few sides to have an Adidas third strip in the Miami Dolphins colours.

Image: Getty

But as per Footy Headlines, via World Soccer Talk, the club are set to release brand new home and away kits next season.

This does not normally happen in the MLS but a special reprieve is poised to be given so that fans have new jerseys to enjoy.

“They sell more jerseys than anybody else in the league. So much so that they’re going to be allowed to break MLS rules,” Pieter Brown, host of Futbol Miami TV, said.

“Basically, [every team] gets a new jersey every year but it’s every other year for the home or away. [Inter Miami] is breaking tradition because they sell a boatload of jerseys because Inter Miami, MLS, and Adidas can make a whole lot more money if everybody who already bought the pink jersey will buy the new pink jersey.”