Lionel Messi beats LeBron James as the Most Marketable Athlete in the world

Lionel Messi has risen to become the most marketable athlete worldwide, surpassing basketball icon LeBron James, as revealed by the latest rankings from SportsPro’s 50 Most Marketable (50MM) list, as reported by GOAL. Michael Long, the editorial director at SportsPro, shared insights into Messi’s ascendancy during an episode of the Footballco Business Podcast, describing it as “a match made in marketing heaven” to see Messi in America.

With Messi leading the pack and an impressive 22 footballers making the cut, Long delved into the factors contributing to Messi’s dominance in the rankings. He emphasized the unique fusion of sports and entertainment culture prevalent in football, particularly evident in leagues like Major League Soccer (MLS), where Messi now plays with Inter Miami.

Long stressed the significance of Messi’s move to MLS, placing him in a new sphere where he intersects with cultural icons from diverse fields, including sports and entertainment. This transition, Long suggests, could potentially elevate Messi to the stature of a commercial powerhouse akin to legendary footballer David Beckham.

Yet, Messi’s position atop the 50MM list isn’t solely due to his on-field prowess or celebrity status. Long noted Messi’s active involvement in charitable causes and advocacy for social and environmental initiatives as pivotal factors in enhancing his marketability.

Messi’s public support for causes such as UNICEF and environmental sustainability has resonated with fans and brands alike, contributing to his appeal beyond sports. Long emphasized the importance of athletes aligning with meaningful causes, as it has become a crucial consideration for brands when selecting endorsement partners.

In essence, Messi’s rise to the pinnacle of sports marketing underscores his multifaceted appeal, combining athletic excellence with social consciousness to solidify his status as a global icon both on and off the pitch.