Why the Yankees and Messi Are Stalking You (And Why I’m Doing the Same)

The greatest brands aren’t satisfied with a “maybe.” They’re not here to blend in or wait politely. True brands don’t just want you—they hunt you down, chipping away until one day, they own a piece of your mind, your loyalty, or your wallet.

I’ll admit it: I’ve never been a New York Yankees fan. I’m more of an underdog guy, like the 1997 Florida Marlins. Built from scratch, they shocked the world with grit, not money. But the Yankees? They’re ruthless, playing a different game. They don’t care if you’re on their side yet; they’re busy going after the big names and stacking up the kind of wins that make you look, even when you think you don’t care.

And guess what? It’s working. Sure, I’ll never wear a Yankees hat. But here I am, checking the box scores for Giancarlo Stanton’s latest stats, while the Yankees profit off the ads I scroll past. They got me, and they’re making money doing it.

Same with Messi. Brazil had my heart, yet Messi’s brand chased me for years. Every transfer, every new jersey—his brand moved like a shadow, until finally, he’s with Inter Miami, a team I actually follow. And just like that, Messi found his way in.

This is exactly how I approach my novels. They’re complex, they’re nonlinear, and they’re crafted for readers who don’t need everything spoon-fed. I’m relentless because I know that out there, my stories are waiting to find their perfect reader. Like the Yankees and Messi, I’m playing the long game, seeding curiosity and showing up wherever I can.

True brands don’t play it safe, and they don’t fade into the background. They’re out there, relentless and patient, inching closer and closer until you finally realize they’ve won you over.

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