Messi plushies see booming sales as Chinese firms benefit from World Cup boost

Chinese manufacturers report a surge in sales of Lionel Messi plush toys. The increase coincides with heightened interest surrounding the World Cup. RFI notes that the tournament is providing a marketing boost for the firms. The plushies feature the football star's likeness. Demand is driven by fans seeking memorabilia. Companies are scaling production to meet the rising orders. The trend reflects the commercial impact of major sporting events. Analysts suggest the momentum could continue throughout the competition.