Miami is known for its star power, but just a few superstars have had the same effect on the city as Lionel Messi has.
You see, when a star gets anywhere, it shines and those who think can make good use of its light.
Right now, a restaurant in Florida has Lionel Messi to thank the huge change it will see in its books soon.
Messi has just spent a few weeks in Miami, Florida, but somehow, his presence is bringing a business outfit a big task to fill.
‘Don Antonio Pizza’
Customers began to troop in, rushing for ‘Don Antonio’ pizza, signaling the desire people have to be a star like Messi.
Customers were spotted queuing out of the door, following a shoutout from the Inter Miami star.
This happened after the seven-time Ballon d’Or holder ordered the “Don Antonio”, which comes with mozzarella, tomato sauce, tomato slices, onion, anchovies and olives.
After it received Messi’s seal of approval, customer has reached new heights for the North Beach staple.
The venue is now referring to itself as the home of “Leo Messi’s favorite pizza” in their own Instagram bio.
This seems to have inspired punters to flock to sample the restaurant’s menu.
Messi had posted the pizza on Instagram and that post had shot the restaurant to a big sales boost.
Furthermore, Messi in Miami is a big point of pride for Miami, just as much as it is a big source of money for many of their shops.
Everything he touches and shares now in the US will surely result in economic boom for the business.
On June 7, Messi announced he would be signing with Inter Miami to play for Major League Soccer, a vaunted move for a player many consider to be the greatest to ever play the game.
The GOAT Effect
Messi’s deal has reportedly driven up real estate prices in parts of Miami.
It is also influencing smaller businesses across the South Florida region.
“[People] come, they see, they eat, so I can tell that we’ve been up a good 25%-30%,” said Max Alverez, owner of Fiorito, an Argentine restaurant in Miami since 2012.
Alverez has coined his restaurant “La Casa de Messi” since Messi announced he would be joining Inter Miami.
The shop on the 5500 block of NE 2nd Avenue has been a haven for Argentine cuisine since opening.
However, it became a viral sensation in 2018 when Alverez had a mural of Messi painted on its front.
“We all love [Messi],” said Diego Setti, co-founder of Prison Pals Brewing in neighboring Doral.
Setti is Argentine as well. Once he learned Messi came to Miami, he and his team created the GOAT 10 Lager.
A nod to the World Cup winner’s greatness as it is adorned in Inter Miami’s iconic pink and black colors and boasts Messi’s number 10 on the can.
Setti says since his team has rolled out the beer, he has seen more orders come in from all over the world.
“It is huge because we have orders from all over the world,” he said.
“[Vendors] are asking for beer from everywhere, so for us it’s a huge change.”
Read more: Pizzeria Visited By Lionel Messi Sees Huge Boost In Sales
In a sense, sports are fabricated, since people give them meaning.
However, the fanatical frenzy and economic impact that come from those who play them are as real as anything you might encounter.
