• Loading stock data...
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Countdown to the Miami Grand Prix
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds
Presented By:
Media

Lionel Messi Phenomenon Spurs Specialized Media Attention

By
February 21, 2024 | 03:26 pm
  • 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.
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

Former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher and hall of fame member Randy Johnson throws out the ceremonial first pitch before game three of the 2023 World Series against the Texas Rangers at Chase Field on Oct. 30, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona.
by

Hall of Fame Pitcher Randy Johnson’s Wild Second Act
Randy Johnson on facing Hall of Fame hitters and migrating wildebeests.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd with Eminem and Detroit Lions Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Aidan Hutchinson and Hall of Famers Calvin Johnson and Barry Sanders on the stage before Round 1 of the NFL draft on April 25, 2024.
by

First Round of 2024 NFL Draft Averages 12.1M Viewers
The NFL and TV partners know quarterback-driven NFL drafts spell TV ratings gold.
by

Iowa Athletes Sue State, Citing ‘Unconstitutional’ Tracking of Gambling
They claim investigators didn’t get warrants, misled about the purpose of questioning.
by

‘Jaw-Dropping’ Noncompete Ban Could Shake Up Pro Coaching, Experts Say
Many pro coaches are banned from interviewing for other jobs without team approval.
podcast thumbnail
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

NHL on Offense as Playoffs Heat Up

0:00
0:00

Featured Today
by

Just Like We Drew It Up? Stadium Renderings Can Excite, Confound, and Anger
During a historic wave of development, drawings wield more power than ever.
The scene in the green room behind the NFL Draft Theater in Detroit on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Thirteen college players who will be picked in the first round will be waiting in this large room with friends, family, agents and college coaches on Thursday night.
April 27, 2024

More NFL Draft Prospects Are Staying Home, and TV Networks Are Adjusting
Whether making or missing out on millions, more prospects are staying home.
April 21, 2024

Everything You Need To Know About the Legal Attempts To Kill the ACC
Four lawsuits involving the conference, Clemson, and FSU could determine the future.
April 20, 2024

A Bare-Knuckle Fighter Won His Pro Debut. The Far Right Scored a Marketing Win
With Proud Boys sponsoring him, experts say extremist groups will use his success to elevate their ideologies and recruit new believers.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Apply Now
Adidas
Multiple - USA Careers
Apply Now
FanDuel
Multiple - USA Careers
Apply Now

More in Media
by

Amazon Nears NBA Rights Deal, Eyes Sweep of U.S. Sports Leagues
The online retail and streaming giant picks up NHL content to join its presence in the NFL and MLB.
April 25, 2024

Peacock’s Subscriber Surge Driven by Sports: NFL Streaming Plays Key Role
Peacock sees a nearly 10% bump in subscribers in the quarter, including an exclusive NFL playoff game.
April 26, 2024

NFL Draft Grades: Belichick, Saban, and Detroit Get High Marks
A new attendance record for the NFL draft could be set this year.
Sponsored

Rapid Returns: How Technology Is Getting You Back to Your Seat
How Oracle’s POS technology is helping fans get back to their seats faster.
April 25, 2024

Can Nick Saban and Bill Belichick Light Up the NFL Draft?
‘They’re not the warmest, fuzziest guys,’ but they could be breakout TV stars.
April 25, 2024

Shaq Took a Ton of Money Off Charles Barkley
O’Neal correctly predicted Miami’s margin of victory before tip-off.
April 24, 2024

Mike Breen Explains the Beloved Call He Breaks Out Once a Year
There’s a method and madness behind the call Breen has made just six times.
April 23, 2024

The NBA’s Media Rights Renewal Talks: Here’s What We Know
ESPN and TNT have the right to match outside bids in the NBA’s ongoing national rights negotiations.