Tickets For Messi’s US Debut Cost as Much as $110,000

The anticipation to witness Lionel Messi’s highly awaited US debut comes with a hefty price tag. Tickets for his expected first match on Friday with Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup are being sold for as much as $110,000, according to a search on ticket reselling website Vivid Seats. This marks one of the highest ticket prices ever recorded for a Major League Soccer (MLS) team.

Following Messi’s official signing with Inter Miami on Saturday, in a deal reported to be worth between $50 to $60 million per year, prices for certain seats skyrocketed. However, more affordable options are still available for Friday’s game, with the average ticket price being $487. Some dedicated fans are even travelling nearly 700 miles to witness the match against the Mexican team Cruz Azul, as stated by a spokesperson from Vivid Seats. In comparison, tickets to last year’s League Cup match between Inter Miami and FC Barcelona were priced at about half that amount.

Looking ahead to Messi’s MLS debut on August 20 against Charlotte, ticket prices are currently averaging $288, marking a surge of nearly 900% since early June when speculation about Messi’s move to the US began. Overall, ticket prices for Inter Miami, who are currently at the bottom of the standings, have also experienced a significant increase of about 700% since then.

Lionel Messi, 36, is undeniably one of the most decorated athletes in history, having won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award seven times and being part of the Argentinian side that won the World Cup last year. His deal with Inter Miami reportedly 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, according to multiple reports.

During an unveiling event on Sunday, Messi expressed his excitement about being in Miami, stating, “I come here with the same desire to compete, desire to win, and help the club continue to grow.” The “Messi mania” extends beyond the soccer field, as evidenced by Hard Rock Cafe’s recent introduction of the “Messi Chicken Sandwich,” a crispy Milanese-style fried chicken breast topped with melted provolone, available for purchase at their hotels and restaurants.