Gulf Today Report
Truly, the welcome that Argentine football legend Lionel Messi received in Miami is nothing short of that accorded a rock star. Thousands of fans of the footy icon turned up to celebrate the formal entry into Inter Miami by a footballer who has been described as “the best player to ever don boots.” This remark came from none other than Inter Miami’s primary owner Jorge Mas. Such is the adulation for Messi that ticket prices for the opening match versus Mexico’s Cruz Azul on Friday in the Leagues Cup has hit stratospheric levels: a jaw-dropping $110,000!
According to a report by CNN, on ticket reselling website Vivid Seats, the tickets for Messi's match are going at $100,000 each. It the costliest ticket price ever recorded for a Major League Soccer team game.
However, there are cheaper options too. As per the report, the average price is $487 and fans are tremendously excited to see Messi mark his debut for the club.
On Saturday, the Argentina striker Mofficially completed his transfer to Inter Miami CF. Reportedly, the deal is worth between $50 million to $60 million per year.
As per reports, the deal also includes an option for part-ownership of the club and a cut of the revenue from new subscribers to Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass streaming service.
Messi made the move to the American club after his two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired.
"I'm very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States. This is a fantastic opportunity," said Messi.
He signed a contract for two-and-a-half seasons with an option for 2026. Messi’s move is quite timely, particularly given the fact that the 2026 World Cup is set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. His star billing will turbocharge the popularity of the game in North America.
“I can’t wait to start training and competing. I’m here with the desire I’ve always had to compete, to want to win, and to help the club continue to grow.”