Messi mania hikes MLS ticket prices. Fans pay top‑dollar
Tickets for New England Revolution matches are usually affordable, only costing a few dollars. Yet, fans had to spend considerably more with Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami.
5:27 PM EDT, April 28, 2024
Lionel Messi has captivated football fans once more. The Argentine superstar is thriving in the United States and showcasing exceptional skills. In a recent match, he was instrumental in Inter Miami's commanding 4:1 victory over the New England Revolution.
The world champion from Qatar notched up two goals and assisted in the other two. Since moving to the USA, the 36-year-old has continued to astonish, drawing large crowds to stadiums eager to witness his magic in person.
Fans spend heavily to watch Messi in action
American clubs, recognizing Messi's immense draw, are seizing the opportunity to maximize earnings. Consequently, ticket prices surge for Inter Miami’s away games, straining fans’ wallets.
The average ticket for the New England Revolution vs. Inter Miami match was priced at $285. This game took place in a stadium usually occupied by the New England Patriots, marking a rare instance where soccer match tickets cost more than NFL game tickets.
By comparison, last year, the average ticket for a Patriots game was $275, which is $10 less than the cost to see Inter Miami play. Nevertheless, this hefty price tag did not deter fans; the stadium was packed, with an attendance of over 65,000.
Typically, New England Revolution games do not draw such large crowds. On May 19th, when they host Philadelphia Union, ticket prices will start at only $18. The contrast in pricing is stark.
This trend, now expected in the MLS, has been termed the "Messi effect." When Inter Miami plays away with Messi on the team, ticket prices inevitably spike, yet fans continue to purchase them, undeterred by the cost.
