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How Messi’s Barcelona exit will affect his branding power

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Some of Messi’s other sponsors are Adidas, with which he has a lifetime contract; as well as Huawei, Hawkers Sunglasses, and Ooredoo. He makes roughly $34 million a year in endorsements, according to Sports Illustrated.

While there are widespread reports that he is headed for Paris-Saint-Germain (PSG), he did not confirm the news during his Barcelona farewell press conference Sunday, instead saying, “[PSG] is one possibility. There’s nothing closed at the moment, but we’re talking about a lot of things. After Barca’s statement, a lot of clubs showed an interest. There’s nothing final, but, of course, there are talks.”

PSG is a part of a French domestic league, Ligue 1, which has been seen as less competitive. But if the league lures Messi it could be mutually beneficial for the league and the player.

Stade Brestois 29 FC coach, Michel Der Zakarian, alluded to that in a comment this week in regards to speculation about Messi’s next club, saying: “We say that we have a shit league, but if we manage to bring in a player like that, it would be exceptional. I’m not going to be polite here – but he gives me a hard-on.”

Dae Hee Kwak, director of the Center of Sports Marketing Research at The University of Michigan, has a different opinion on Messi’s decision to go to Paris, saying that other leagues have the media visibility, TV and streaming deals and global audience that he and his sponsors will miss. Still, Kwak said the move has an upside for brands affiliated with Messi, because of the attention it is getting. “Messi’s new move will only add more publicity and buzz to the sponsor as it presents an opportunity to refresh their communication and leveraging efforts,” Kwak says.  

 

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