The Argentine football star Lionel Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023, starred in the music video for the track Trofeo, a collaboration that connected the worlds of soccer and Latin urban pop in a bold, celebrity-studded display that drew widespread attention. In the video, the legendary forward is shown in a celebratory mood, embodying the moment of triumph and the fusion of sport and music that has defined his recent chapter in North American football. The production features artists who are household names in the Latin music scene and demonstrates how Messi’s transition to Major League Soccer has extended his influence beyond the pitch, permeating popular culture and media in both the United States and Canada.
The song Trofeo is performed by Juan Luis Londoño Arias, better known as Maluma, a Colombian singer who has become a global icon in reggaeton and contemporary Latin pop, and Yandel Veguilla Malave, who performs under the stage name Yandel and is a renowned Puerto Rican artist with deep roots in the reggaeton movement. The collaboration brings together these two artists with Messi as a prominent guest star, reinforcing a narrative of victory, performance, and the celebratory spirit attached to trophy moments in sports. The video’s aesthetic favors bold colors, dynamic camera work, and choreographed sequences that underscore themes of achievement and teamwork, while framing Messi as a central figure whose presence elevates the project beyond a simple promotional clip into a culturally resonant statement about winning and public life in modern football.
Towards the end of the clip, the 36-year-old Argentinian footballer is depicted in an Inter Miami jersey, standing in his team’s home stadium as the action reaches a climactic moment. The scene suggests a ceremonial handshake of sorts between football and music, with Maluma elevated by the moment as the video visually signals a trophy victory. The sequence indicates Messi’s incorporation into the club’s trophy cabinet in a symbolic sense, celebrating a new chapter in his career and a historic first trophy with his new team. The moment resonates with fans as a quintessential image of a player achieving personal milestones while also aiding a club’s broader ascent in American soccer culture, a theme that aligns with the growing popularity of MLS and the transcendent aura that Messi carries with him.
The end of the clip features the performers on the court, including the rapper’s celebratory dancing as a trophy is held aloft in the middle of the arena. This closing image reinforces the synergy between sport and music, a narrative that mirrors the public perception of Messi as not just a footballer but a global symbol of excellence, charisma, and competitive spirit. The video’s tone communicates a sense of continuity between Messi’s illustrious career and his current role in a league that is expanding its global footprint, inviting audiences to view the trophy moment as a shared triumph rather than a solitary achievement.
Messi arrived at Inter Miami after a two-year tenure with Paris Saint-Germain, where he continued to display his exceptional skill and leadership on the field. His transfer to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 marked a pivotal turning point for the franchise and the league, signaling a strategic shift toward high-profile signings aimed at raising the level of competition and the marketability of soccer in North America. Since joining the club, Messi has actively contributed to its on-field success, showing an impressive scoring instinct and an ability to orchestrate play from multiple attacking positions while integrating with new teammates in a different tactical environment.
Early contributions after his move included eight league appearances in which Messi demonstrated his customary quality, tallying a noteworthy nine goals and several key assists across competitions. This early form helped solidify his role as a central figure for Inter Miami, reinforcing the club’s aspirations in domestic competitions and its broader journey toward regional prominence. The breakthrough came when Messi secured his initial silverware with Inter Miami by winning a prestigious American tournament title. In a dramatic final that pitted Inter Miami against Nashville SC, the teams battled through regulation and extra time, culminating in a penalty shootout where Inter Miami triumphed by a narrow margin. The decisive moment, a 10-9 shootout victory, crowned Messi and his teammates with the League Cup, adding another trophy to a career that already includes an extraordinary collection of domestic and international titles. The trophy marked not only a personal milestone for Messi but also a landmark achievement for the franchise in its history, signaling a new era of ambition for American soccer and for the club’s supporters who had long awaited a breakthrough victory on the national stage.
The post-trophy atmosphere captured on screen and in the stands reflected the mood of fans and observers who have followed Messi’s journey with interest and anticipation. His presence in Miami has been seen as a catalyst for greater media attention, higher attendance, and increased sponsorship opportunities, all contributing to the broader growth of MLS and the North American soccer ecosystem. The narrative surrounding the trophy win is often framed as a testament to Messi’s enduring impact on the game, a reminder that a player of his caliber can elevate a club and inspire a generation of young players who look to him as a benchmark for excellence. In this sense, the Trofeo video functions as both a celebratory homage and a strategic communication piece that reinforces Messi’s role in shaping the contemporary American soccer landscape.
In the months since the League Cup triumph, Messi has continued to perform at a high level for Inter Miami. His influence extends beyond statistics; it encompasses leadership on the field, mentorship for teammates, and a magnetic presence that can stretch the attention of fans and media across North America. The story of Messi’s first trophy with Inter Miami is a reminder that transfer decisions in today’s global sports market can have ripple effects that go far beyond the pitch, affecting team culture, fan engagement, and the broader perception of a league poised for sustained growth. For practitioners and fans alike, the intersection of music, sport, and celebrity in this campaign offers a relevant case study in branding, cross-media storytelling, and the strategic use of high-profile athletes to catalyze interest and investment in a rapidly expanding sports market.