Lionel Messi helps Inter Miami beat Manchester United and Real Madrid in shirt sales - Reports

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has helped Inter Miami beat top European clubs Arsenal, Real Madrid and Manchester United in shirt sales following his MLS arrival this summe.

The Barcelona icon joined the Herons in the summer from Paris Saint-Germain. Since then, Adidas have had a tough time keeping up with the orders for Messi's No. 10 pink-coloured Inter Miami shirt.

Speaking to The New York Times, Tor Southard, the senior director of Adidas’ football section said that the company received half a million orders for the shirt following Messi's announcement.

He says that the demand for this jersey surpassed all expectations, beating orders after Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United and the Argentina shirt with a third star. Southard said:

"It is difficult to exaggerate the demand that Messi has created. Official sales have exceeded all the benchmarks that Adidas could have imagined."

Revealing that the Inter Miami shirt recorded larger sales than some prestigious European clubs for which Adidas is the kit manufacturer, Southard added:

"The Inter Miami shirt is ahead of the five historic European clubs that the brand has traditionally considered the crown jewels of its illustrious portfolio: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Arsenal."

Although Messi and Co. failed to make the MLS playoffs this season, the club won the Leagues Cup following the Argentina captain's arrival. Messi has bagged 11 goals and five assists across competitions in 14 appearances for Miami.

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Newcastle striker backs Erling Haaland to win Ballon d'Or over Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson reckons Manchester City's Erling Haaland deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or award over Lionel Messi.

With the two names being widely considered frontrunners, the stage is set for October 30 in Paris, where the winner will be announced.

Haaland completed an incredible debut season with the Cityzens, helping his side to the treble, bagging 52 goals across competitions. Given the Norway international's last campaign, Wilson said (via BBC Sport)

"What Haaland did last season can't be overlooked. If you take away international football and compare statistically - Haaland should win the award."

Despite Haaland's wonder season, many believe Messi should claim his eighth Ballon d'Or award after leading Argentina to World Cup success in Qatar last year.

He scored seven goals and assisted three, including a brace in the final against France.