Messi has a new toy, Bad Bunny sneakers and a “Messi Camera” for the MLS playoffs

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Lionel Messi is a sports and cultural icon to his global fan base. Now he's a superhero too.

Messi unveiled his new superhero toy, Captain Messi, at an event on Tuesday in collaboration with Hard Rock International. A young girl asked him if he could use his new superpowers to help Inter Miami win the MLS Cup title.

It's hard to deny Messi's superpowers ahead of Inter Miami's playoff game against Atlanta United at Chase Stadium on Friday. He heads into the postseason after two hat tricks last week – one with the national team and his first in MLS. After being sidelined for two months with a serious right ankle injury, Messi is the strongest player since leading Inter Miami to the League Cup title in August 2023, with ten goals in his first seven games.

MORE: Apple TV has high hopes for Lionel Messi's first MLS playoff game: Inter Miami vs. Atlanta

Inter Miami won the MLS Supporters' Shield title for having the league's best record during the regular season. Now Inter Miami is aiming for its third title of the Messi era.

“We'll try, just like we've tried all year. I think we are prepared and very excited for this moment that we will have in the upcoming playoffs and well, we will fight to achieve it,” Messi said before wearing each children's jersey during the event at the Seminole Hard Rock signed Hotel and Casino Tuesday.

As Messi pursues his 47th title for club and country, the synergies surrounding Messi continue to flourish and thrive for him, other companies and football fans.

The MLS and Inter Miami TikTok accounts feature an exclusive live Messi Cam focused solely on the MVP favorite during Friday's playoff game. The game and first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs will also be available to watch for free on Apple TV.

“We strongly support Leo Messi’s historic MLS Cup playoff debut. Not only is it must-see TV, but it is a barometer for the entire MLS Season Pass postseason,” said Emeka Ofodile, Apple Global Head of Sports Marketing. “We will make this game the most widely distributed game in MLS Season Pass history and make it available to as many fans as possible around the world.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino named Messi's Inter Miami as the host team for the FIFA Club World Cup to be held in the United States next summer and hopes the Argentine World Cup winner and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will be the world's biggest star at the tournament .

“Inter Miami is supported by all of Florida and beyond for your exciting soccer. … They have shown that they are consistently the best club on the field in the United States,” Infantino said in a press release.

Messi and Latin music star Bad Bunny announced a new collaboration with Adidas this week, featuring the same khaki boots Messi wore last week when he scored three goals in 11 minutes to clinch the MLS -Set a points record.

“Messi’s last name has become a word in its own right, a synonym for greatness, courage and heart,” Bad Bunny said in a press release. “Working with him is an honor that so many people dream of and I never thought I could achieve it. Today I am so grateful to be able to represent our culture with the GOAT.”

Messi also recently launched his first fragrance, Messi Eau de Parfum, exclusively at JCPenney. The commercial praises Messi as a footballer, world champion, father, gentleman and legend with the slogan “Messi, more than we see.”

Let's also mention the interesting product placement of Messi's Mas+ drink, which he is holding in his hand. His name was visible as he held up the MLS Supporters' Shield trophy in the locker room after securing the title with a victory over reigning champions Columbus Crew earlier this month.

The Captain Messi toy is included in every children's meal at Hard Rock Cafés and is available online, along with branded children's items such as a backpack, lunch bag, water bottle and t-shirts. This continues a three-year partnership between Messi and Hard Rock, where foods such as the Messi Burger and Messi Chicken Sandwich continue to be popular menu items for the company's restaurants worldwide.

“He's one of the most famous people in the world with about half a billion followers, but it's more about his personality, his beautiful thoughts about life, about giving to others and helping children,” said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International. said about Messi. “He is an absolute magician on the field. But I think it's his personality. He is a fair player. People respect him. He is the mentor of others. And I think all of those qualities are the greatest thing an athlete or a celebrity can have.”

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