• Loading stock data...
Saturday, January 31, 2026
    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

    Dec 6, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Brian White (24) controls the ball defended by Inter Miami defender Maximiliano Falcon (37) in the first half during the 2025 MLS Cup at Chase Stadium.
    by

    MLS Jumps Into Prediction Markets With Polymarket Deal
    It joins the NHL in embracing the controversial prediction-market industry.
    Oct 24, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) looks on against Nashville SC during the first half at Chase Stadium.
    by

    Lionel Messi, Logan Paul Resolve Beverage Dispute
    The anti-competitive behavior and trademark dispute dates back to 2024.
    May 21, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution owners Robert Kraft (left) and Jonathan Kraft look on before the game between the New England Revolution and the Columbus Crew at Gillette Stadium.
    by

    Krafts Reach Deal With Boston for New MLS Stadium
    The Krafts have been trying to move the team closer to Boston for years.
    by , , , and

    Biggest Questions Looming for 7 Leagues in 2026
    Leagues are facing questions that will shape their impact going into 2026.

    Featured Today

    University of Southern California
    by

    College Athletic Departments Are Wooing Recruits With Content Studios
    Schools are creating content studios to win recruits and donor dollars.
    Dec 25, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Ball Arena
    January 30, 2026

    Spencer Jones Is Having a Moment in the NBA—and on LinkedIn
    The Nuggets forward and Stanford grad is a prolific poster and investor.
    Tim Jenkins
    January 24, 2026

    How One NFL Pass Turned Into a Career on YouTube
    Tim Jenkins missed the NFL. He took his football IQ to YouTube.
    January 17, 2026

    Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom
    Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.

    More in Media
    by

    Comcast Leaning on Sports to Stop Subscriber Bleeding
    The NBC Sports parent is ramping up Super Bowl and Olympic coverage. 
    Rory McIlroy hits the ball during the Golf Channel Games at Trump National Golf Club on December 17, 2025, in Jupiter, Florida.
    January 29, 2026

    WTGL? More Influencers? Inside Golf Channel’s Future Without NBC
    The network is officially split from the NBC Sports family.
    Votto, Kershaw
    exclusive
    January 29, 2026

    NBC Lands Votto to Complete MLB Talent Triple Play
    NBC is taking over “Sunday Night Baseball” from ESPN.
    Sponsored

    From Kobe Bryant to Tom Brady: Mike Repole’s Billion-Dollar Playbook
    Mike Repole shares an inside look into building brands & working with star athletes.
    January 29, 2026

    NBC Sports Parent Earnings Slip As Subscriber Numbers Slide
    The NBC Sports parent company again touts its live-rights portfolio.
    January 29, 2026

    World Cup Going Primetime: Fox to Air Record 40 Matches at Night
    More matches than ever will be shown in primetime and on broadcast TV.
    January 29, 2026

    Beloved Philadelphia Sportswriter Dan McQuade Dies at 43
    McQuade was a popular writer at Defector and Philadelphia Magazine.
    Nov 3, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) speaks to fans during the World Series celebration at Dodger Stadium.
    exclusive
    January 28, 2026

    NBC Closes In on Clayton Kershaw for MLB Studio
    NBC is taking over ESPN’s vacated Sunday Night Baseball package.