Lionel Messi Leads 2026 MLS Jersey Sales

Neither the arrival of international superstars nor fellow World Cup champions can dethrone Inter Miami's captain. The 2026 rankings feature several surprises.

The Argentine surpasses Son Heung-Min and Thomas Müller in MLS jersey sales for the fourth consecutive season

Lionel Messi remains the biggest commercial name in Major League Soccer (MLS). Neither the arrival of new international stars nor the presence of other World Cup champions has managed to knock the Argentine off the top spot in jersey sales for 2026, proving that his influence remains as strong as ever, even after the World Cup.

The Inter Miami captain once again leads the league's list of best-selling jerseys, earning the distinction for the fourth consecutive season. Since arriving in the United States, the World Cup winner has transformed the league's global profile and maintained a special connection with fans across North America and around the world.

MESSI TOPS JERSEY SALES FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT YEAR

MLS unveiled its list of the 10 best-selling adidas jerseys for 2026, with Messi leading the rankings. The list is based on sales at MLSstore.com between January 1 and October 30, reflecting the commercial appeal generated by players throughout nearly the entire season.

The Argentine finished ahead of Son Heung-Min, LAFC's forward, who claimed second place, while Thomas Müller of Vancouver Whitecaps completed the top three. Robert Lewandowski, Chicago Fire's new star, ranked fourth, followed by French international Antoine Griezmann of Orlando City in fifth.

The presence of these names highlights MLS's growing international appeal. However, even the arrival of players with extraordinary careers has not been enough to dethrone Inter Miami's No. 10.

INTER MIAMI PLACES THREE PLAYERS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR

Messi's dominance is also reflected in his team's strong presence in the rankings. Inter Miami is the franchise with the most representatives in the Top 10, placing three players on the list.

Alongside the Argentine, Luis Suárez ranks eighth, while Rodrigo De Paul takes 10th place. LAFC also has two players featured: Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga, who sits seventh.

Another notable detail is that four FIFA World Cup champions appear in the rankings: Messi (Argentina), De Paul (Argentina), Griezmann (France) and Müller (Germany).

CAVAN SULLIVAN: THE NEXT GENERATION MAKES ITS MARK

The rankings also leave room for emerging talent. Cavan Sullivan, the Philadelphia Union midfielder, ranks sixth despite being just 17 years old.

The American enjoyed a historic season. In September, he became the youngest player to win MLS Player of the Month before setting another record by becoming the youngest goalscorer in the history of the United States men's national team.

MLS continues to bring together established superstars and rising prospects, but the message from the 2026 jersey sales is clear: Lionel Messi remains the league's top-selling player and biggest fan attraction, even after another year featuring some of the world's most recognizable football stars.

MESSI REIGNS SUPREME IN MLS JERSEY SALES

FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR AT THE TOP: Lionel Messi leads MLS jersey sales for the fourth straight season, finishing ahead of Son Heung-Min and Thomas Müller.
INTER MIAMI LEADS THE WAY: The club places three players among the Top 10: Messi, Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.
CAVAN SULLIVAN MAKES HIS MARK: At just 17, the Philadelphia Union midfielder ranks sixth, highlighting the growing impact of MLS's next generation.