The Messi Effect: Inter Miami Ticket Prices Plummet in Superstar’s Absence
Ticket prices for Inter Miami have dramatically dropped from $12,000 to just $4 due to the absence of their superstar captain, Lionel Messi. The Argentine icon has been sidelined since the Copa America 2024 final, where he suffered a right ankle ligament injury during a 1-0 victory against Colombia. This injury forced Messi off the field midway through the second half, marking the first time in his career that he was substituted in a final. Despite his exit, his team secured their second consecutive Copa America title, with Messi proudly lifting the silver trophy.
Since the injury, Messi has missed the last four matches across all competitions, and his return to the field remains uncertain. This uncertainty has significantly impacted ticket sales for Inter Miami’s 2024 Leagues Cup championship defense match, with demand plummeting in his absence.
A year ago, Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS) brought immense excitement and skyrocketing ticket prices. His promise to give his all for Inter Miami was fulfilled as he led the team, co-owned by David Beckham, to their first title in the club’s history during last season’s tournament. The “Messi effect” drove ticket prices up to $12,000. However, Messi’s current injury has caused prices to drop sharply, with the cheapest tickets for a recent match against Toronto FC selling for just $4.
Journalist Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald highlighted the decline in ticket prices and general interest in the team during the Inside Miami podcast, noting that viewership, attendance, and ticket prices have all decreased due to Messi’s absence. Inter Miami is set to play in the Leagues Cup round of 16 on August 11 against Columbus Crew or Sporting Kansas City, but the lack of their star player has left many fans unwilling to buy tickets.
Messi’s debut at the 2023 Leagues Cup was nothing short of spectacular. Joining Inter Miami on a free transfer after 19 years in Europe, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored in all seven matches, netting 10 goals and providing one assist. His contributions helped the Herons win their first-ever title. Messi’s remarkable debut saw him scoring a beautiful free-kick to lead Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over Cruz Azul. He continued to shine in his home debut, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 4-0 win over Atlanta.
As Inter Miami navigates this challenging period without their superstar, the impact of Messi’s absence on ticket sales and overall interest in the team is a stark reminder of his unparalleled influence on and off the field.
