Miami – Witnessing Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated US debut comes with a hefty price tag, matching the magnitude of the football superstar himself.
Tickets for Messi’s expected first match with Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup are being sold for as much as $110,000, making it one of the most expensive prices ever recorded for an MLS team, according to a search on ticket reselling website Vivid Seats.
The prices skyrocketed after Messi officially signed with the Major League Soccer team on Saturday, in a deal reported to be worth between $50 to $60 million per year.
However, for fans looking for more affordable options, there are tickets available at a lower cost. The average price for Friday’s game against Mexican team Cruz Azul is $487, and some dedicated fans are traveling nearly 700 miles to witness the match, as per a Vivid Seats spokesperson. Comparatively, tickets for last year’s League Cup match between Inter Miami and FC Barcelona were about half that price.
Looking ahead to Messi’s MLS debut on August 20 against Charlotte, tickets are currently averaging $288, experiencing a surge of almost 900% since early June when rumors of Messi’s move to the US began circulating. Overall, ticket prices for Inter Miami matches have also seen a significant increase of around 700% since then, despite the team currently ranking last in the standings.
At 36 years old, Messi is one of the most accomplished athletes in history, having won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award seven times and recently being part of Argentina’s victorious World Cup team. His deal with Inter Miami includes an option for part-ownership of the club and a share of the revenue generated from new subscribers to Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass streaming service, according to multiple reports. During his unveiling event on Sunday, Messi expressed his excitement to be in Miami and his determination to compete, win, and contribute to the club’s growth.
The “Messi mania” extends beyond the football field as well. Last week, Hard Rock Cafe introduced the “Messi Chicken Sandwich,” featuring a crispy Milanese-style fried chicken breast topped with melted provolone. The sandwich is now available for sale at Hard Rock’s hotels and restaurants, further fueling the frenzy surrounding the football icon.
