2 Years After Michael Jordan Collaboration, Lionel Messi’s ‘Next Move’ Causes 2 Million Followers Drop For PSG

The collaboration between Air Jordan and Paris Saint Germain is one of the more unique sporting collaborations. Banking on the marketability of their new-age stars, PSG and Jordan brand collaborated on a 4th kit, as well as a series of streetwear-inspired collections. A new sponsorship deal with Air Jordan and PSG was struck and after Lionel Messi moved to PSG in 2021, Michael Jordan reportedly earned $ 7,000,000 in profit from jersey sales.

However, after two years in Paris, Lionel Messi is set to leave PSG as a free agent. The 35-year-old soccer legend will not be renewing his contract with the French club. He might be seeking new challenges in other leagues, with many sources suggesting that he is going to either Saudi Arabia or back to Spain.

Following this move, Joe Pompliano reports PSG has now lost 2 million Instagram followers. When Messi first joined in 2021, PSG’s following soared from 38 million to 70 million. The rush in new followers meant a surge in merch sales, which in turn meant a lucrative outing for Jordan and his Jumpman brand.

Lionel Messi joining PSG made Michael Jordan profit massively from the transfer

It would be rather unlikely for an average basketball fan to believe that Michael Jordan made profits from PSG. Also because someone like Lionel Messi netted him the profits sound just as unbelievable. As crazy as it may seem, Michael Jordan’s iconic 1984 deal with Nike made this possible.

PSG’s deal with Air Jordan has resulted in several of their iconic home and away kits being designed by the brand. The kit also features Michael Jordan’s ‘Air Jordan’ silhouette, something never seen before in soccer. Well, this deal was widely appreciated by soccer and basketball fans alike. It also helped popularize soccer in North America, with popular American stars such as Kim Kardashian and Beyonce wearing the jersey.

With Messi’s arrival in Paris, the jerseys with his name from PSG sold in soaring numbers. This helped Michael Jordan earn a lion’s share of the profit from the sales. However, after the club announced Messi’s departure, they lost around 2 million followers within just 2 weeks!

How valuable is Lionel Messi?

PSG has gained over 30 million Instagram followers since Messi's signing in 2021 — going from 38 million to 70 million.

But now that Messi is leaving the club, PSG has already lost 2 million Instagram followers in the last week alone.

Crazy 🤯 pic.twitter.com/j7G8DzEYPc

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) June 6, 2023

This might perhaps have a significant impact on Michael Jordan, as Messi’s presence and name carry an immense influence on the market. With the Argentinian’s departure, there is no telling how the collection’s sales will suffer.