World Cup winner Lionel Messi showcased his star power this week as news of his move to Inter Miami sent the club’s ticket prices soaring.
While Messi’s agreement with Inter Miami is yet to be finalised, ticket prices for the club’s Major League Soccer (MLS) games have skyrocketed by over 1000%.
Previously, tickets for Inter Miami’s game against Cruz Azul on July 21 were priced at $29, but now they are being listed at $329.
The cheapest ticket for the same match is currently priced at $466. Meanwhile, seats for earlier games, such as Inter Miami’s June 24 clash against Philadelphia Union, are available for as low as $79 on VividSeats.
The impact of Messi’s arrival is also felt in ticket prices for Inter Miami’s game against MLS champions Los Angeles FC on September 3. The cheapest tickets, which were initially priced at $81, are now being sold for $624 on TicketIQ.
Lionel Messi is reported to sign with Inter Miami 🔥
This is the impact on ticket prices:
Inter Miami vs. Cruz Azul on 7/21 ***
Cheapest ticket sold before news: $29
Cheapest ticket now available: $329New York Red Bulls vs Inter Miami on 8/26
Cheapest ticket sold before…
— TickPick (@TickPick) June 7, 2023
Interestingly, fans are still uncertain about when Messi will make his debut for the club.
The 35-year-old announced on Wednesday that he will be joining the MLS club after rejecting an alleged $300 million-per-year deal in Saudi Arabia and declining to rejoin Barcelona, after his stint with French champions PSG came to an end.
Lionel Messi could really become the first MLS player to win the Ballon d'Or…
More history awaits 😉 pic.twitter.com/nzgwgBkztN
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 9, 2023