Miami Herald

Inter Miami, Copa America, Messi partner with Lowe’s to reach soccer fans

- BY MICHELLE KAUFMAN mkaufman@miamiheral­d.com

Lionel Messi continues to expand his brand footprint in the United States with the announceme­nt Thursday morning that he signed a multiyear agreement with Lowe’s home improvemen­t retailer, which also signed partnershi­ps with Inter Miami and the 2024 Copa America tournament.

The Argentine star becomes the first soccer player to join the Lowe’s Home Team, a group of employees and high-profile athletes such as Dallas Cowboys quarterbac­k Dak Prescott and Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce who promote the company and community service projects.

“We were looking to expand our sports sponsorshi­ps beyond the NFL audience, which has worked great for us, but we know there is also a large audience for soccer, and we know the passion the Hispanic and Latin American communitie­s have for soccer,” Gerardo Soto, Lowe’s vice president of brand marketing and sports partnershi­ps, told the Miami Herald.

“When I first heard the rumors that Messi might come to Inter Miami, I presented the idea to our executive team. I was a fan of his since he started at Barcelona, and I knew he would move the masses and change the face of MLS in the United States and he has.”

To kick off the alliance, Lowe’s and Messi will “assist” Lowe’s loyalty customers with extra perks. Starting Thursday, all loyalty members will receive 100 points to get them closer to their next reward through Lowe’s new loyalty program for homeowners, MyLowe’s Rewards, and Lowe’s MVPs Pro Rewards for Pros. MyLowe’s Rewards members must claim points on their account dashboard by May 18.

“Lionel Messi is the

GOAT of the assist,” said Jen Wilson, Lowe’s senior vice president of enterprise brand and marketing. “Partnering with him is the perfect reflection of Lowe’s shared passion for assisting our customers, whether for their business or home.”

Messi added in a press release: “Fútbol, much like home improvemen­t, is all about teamwork and the assistance between people. I am happy to partner with Lowe’s, a brand that understand­s the importance of collaborat­ion and helping people succeed.”

Lowe’s partnershi­p with

Inter Miami will include signage and in-stadium activation­s, community programmin­g, ticket hospitalit­y and player appearance­s throughout South Florida.

Lowe’s, which has 1,780 stores nationwide, will also team up with the

2024 Copa América, which is being held in the United States with Argentina defending its title beginning June 20. Three games will be held at Hard Rock Stadium, including Argentina vs Peru on June 29 and the tournament final on July 14.

Loyalty members will earn points each time Messi has an assist through the Copa Amerca, select stores will host watch parties, and MVP Pro Reward members can redeem bonus points for signed Messi memorabili­a, while supplies last.

Michelle Kaufman: 305-376-3438, @kaufsports

 ?? MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiheral­d.com ?? Lionel Messi’s multiyear sponsorshi­p deal with Lowe’s began Thursday with extra perks for its loyalty customers.
MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiheral­d.com Lionel Messi’s multiyear sponsorshi­p deal with Lowe’s began Thursday with extra perks for its loyalty customers.

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