Brand new research has shown that the name ‘Leo’ has increased in popularity by 350 per cent since Lionel Messi made his debut.
The research comes as Messi unveiled Mastercard’s new player mascot kit, to be worn by young fans in the upcoming Champions League knock-out stage, which kicks off on Tuesday with a meeting of Messi’s PSG and Bayern Munich.
Mastercard analysed two decades of birth registry data to assess the off-the-field impact of the World Cup winner, and found that over 77,000 boys and girls in the United Kingdom have been called a version of ‘Leo’ since Messi’s 2004 debut.
It’s also the third most popular boys name in Scotland, up from 122nd the year before Messi’s debut.
Research has shown that the name ‘Leo’ has increased by 350 per cent since Messi’s debut
Messi is helping launch Mastercard’s new mascot kit for the remainder of the Champions League season
The research also showed that one ‘Leo’ is born every two hours in the UK, and its popularity is set to continue to increase, with 24 per cent of people saying they would consider naming a future child after the 35-year-old.
34 per cent of parents said Messi is the most inspirational footballer of all time, and 59 per cent agreed that he is a positive role model for inspiring determination and dedication.
Mastercard, sponsors of Champions League player mascots, are offering one young fan a chance to walk onto the pitch in the new kit, hand in hand with Messi.
The kit will be worn in all of the remaining Champions League matches, with the shirt and shorts made exclusively from recycled fabrics, using 90 per cent less water and 70 per cent less energy than virgin polyester, and having a 65 per cent smaller carbon footprint.
On the scheme, Messi said: ‘Walking onto the pitch before a UEFA Champions League match is a unique experience. No matter how many times I do it, it never gets old.
‘I am always so happy to share that feeling with the young mascots, and only hope that the experience gives them the belief, in themselves, in the beautiful game, and in the power of chasing their dreams.’
Mastercard’s scheme will allow one fan to win the chance to walk out with Messi when PSG face Bayern Munich
SOURCE: dailymail.co.uk
