US fans are showing immense enthusiasm for Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated debut with Inter Miami, as tickets for the match are being sold for over $100,000.
According to the ticket reselling website Vivid Seats, this is one of the highest prices ever recorded for a Major League Soccer (MLS) team.
The prices skyrocketed after the former Barcelona captain was unveiled by Inter Miami on Sunday. He has signed a two-year deal reportedly worth between $50 to $60 million per year.
🚨 Resell tickets for Lionel Messi's debut match with Inter Miami on Friday are going for $110,000. Via @CNN.pic.twitter.com/UiSlyBmSWT
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) July 18, 2023
Despite the astronomical prices, there are still more affordable options available for the game, with the average ticket price being $487. Some dedicated fans are even travelling nearly 700 miles to witness the match against Mexican team Cruz Azul on Friday.
🗣 Tuca Ferretti, Cruz Azul coach on Lionel Messi: "Messi is a super player. The ticket was $30 and it went to $600. It's the Messi effect. The truth is if I can ask for a picture…"pic.twitter.com/27FwcVcg0b
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) July 18, 2023
Known as one of the most decorated athletes in history, Messi’s arrival has generated immense excitement. The Argentine star has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award seven times and played a crucial role in Argentina’s victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
His deal with Inter Miami includes an option for part-ownership of the club and a share of the revenue from new subscribers to Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass streaming service.