SPECTACULAR: Lionel Messi's greatness continues as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lebron James and Kylian Mbappe fall off in the list of world's most marketable athletes - Sports Buddy

“Why Lionel Messi Reigns as the Most Marketable Athlete Worldwide”

In a conversation on the Footballco Business Podcast, Michael Long, the Editorial Director at SportsPro, delved into Lionel Messi securing the top spot in their 50MM rankings.

On the Footballco Business Podcast, Michael Long, the editorial director at SportsPro, delved into why Lionel Messi secured the top spot in their 50MM rankings, surpassing athletes like LeBron James, Alex Morgan, and Lewis Hamilton.

Lionel Messi reigns again

Messi’s leadership in SportsPro’s latest 50 most marketable athlete list, with 22 footballers included, was discussed by Long, emphasizing football’s dominance in the market.

Long highlighted Messi’s interactions with cultural icons in the sports and entertainment world, suggesting that his move to Inter Miami has elevated him to a different dimension, potentially mirroring David Beckham’s commercial impact on MLS.

Image credit- Centre goals on x — Lionel Messi

Long also stressed that Messi’s top position on the 50MM list goes beyond popularity, considering various metrics.

Messi’s economic value and estimated worth contribute significantly, but his support for environmental and social causes, including his role as a UNICEF ambassador and contributions to the Leo Messi Foundation, played a crucial role.

Long underlined the growing importance of athletes aligning with causes, noting that this element is highly valued by brands in today’s sports marketing landscape.

Messi’s position at the top of the 50MM list is not solely attributed to his on-field performances or celebrity status.

Long pointed out that Messi’s active involvement in charitable causes and support for social and environmental initiatives played a crucial role in enhancing his marketability.