• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025
    More
    Media

    Lionel Messi Phenomenon Spurs Specialized Media Attention

    • Messi joins Taylor Swift and Beyoncé for celebrities to have their beat writer at ‘USA Today.’
    • The decision comes less than a year after Messi went to the U.S. to play in the MLS.
    By
    Feb 21, 2024 | 03:26 pm
    Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi following the victory against Los Angeles FC at BMO Stadium.
    Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

    Move over Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. 

    Two of music’s biggest stars have a third party entering their atmosphere in Lionel Messi. USA Today’s Sports Media Group announced Wednesday that the Argentine soccer star will have his beat writer dedicated to covering him, joining a club previously occupied by Swift and Beyoncé. 

    This specialized coverage of Messi comes after his first (partial) season in Major League Soccer, which was a boon for the league and Inter Miami CF—and it’s already paying dividends for 2024 and beyond, as the club announced it had sold out its available season tickets for the ’24 MLS season.

    Safid Deen, who previously covered the NFL for USA Today and is based in South Florida, will be the Messi beat writer, covering his play, business dealings, and worldwide celebrity. Perhaps the decision is the most significant sign of growth for soccer in America, and how far it has come for a player to warrant sole coverage of a worldwide celebrity approaching 500 million followers on Instagram.

    Linkedin
    Whatsapp
    Copy Link
    Link Copied
    Link Copied

    What to Read

    [Subscription Customers Only] Jul 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Real Madrid CF forward Kylian Mbappe (9) reacts after a semifinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.
    by

    CVC Builds Out Sports Division Amid Crowded PE Market
    The firm’s sports portfolio is reportedly worth $13.6 billion.
    Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
    by

    As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada
    Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.
    The cover of the College Football 25 video game.
    exclusive
    by

    Group That Facilitated NIL Deal for Football Video Game Now Says It’s..
    EA offered $1,500 and no royalties; it also deleted an opt-out clause.
    Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team onto the field for warm ups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
    by

    Slow Burn: The NFL’s Private-Equity Era So Far
    Three deals have been struck to date. But the league is bullish.

    Featured Today

    Premier Lacrosse League
    by

    ‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour
    In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
    September 13, 2025

    The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..
    Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
    September 11, 2025

    Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records
    Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
    September 10, 2025

    ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start
    ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

    More in Media
    by

    Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge
    The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.
    exclusive
    September 16, 2025

    ESPN, Fox One Added 1M Sign-Ups in First 10 Days After Launch
    The two high-profile streaming services have strong starts with consumers.
    Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
    September 16, 2025

    Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Sets Early NFL TV Ratings Mark
    Several new milestones are established with the big early-season matchup.
    Sponsored

    How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner
    Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
    Greg Olsen
    September 16, 2025

    Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’
    This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.
    Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
    September 15, 2025

    WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence
    Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.
    Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.
    September 15, 2025

    Amazon Shatters Previous Ratings High for 1st NFL Game
    “TNF” viewership surges 35% compared to the 2024 season average.
    Las Vegas Aces
    September 15, 2025

    WNBA Playoffs Face ESPN Fall Crunch For Final Time
    The games will be spread across three networks next year.