Ticket prices for the game on this Sunday, September 2, between Inter Miami and Los Angeles FC (LAFC) reached historic levels in Major League Soccer (MLS), according to the online marketplace TickPick.
Tickets have an average price of $690, which is a 527 % increase compared to the average price prior to Leonel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami, which used to be $110.
With just days to go before the showdown, the cheapest ticket to see Messi against last year’s MLS Cup champions is listed at $785, while the most expensive is closer to $2,000.
What Happens in Messi’s Absence?
When the Argentine star is not on the pitch, ticket prices drop drastically. For example, the most affordable ticket to the next LAFC game sits at $151 per seat, 80% cheaper, according to TickPick.
Brett Goldberg, CEO of TickPick, anticipates a stabilization in the market, although there is a possibility of an increase in demand.
LAFC is one of the most popular teams in MLS today, generating constant demand, Goldberg noted.
However, since Messi’s arrival in MLS, his appearances have consistently raised ticket prices.
When Messi made his regular season debut in mid-August, average prices were 1,000 % higher than usual for a New York Red Bulls game.
This phenomenon has been called “messimania” and it extends beyond the field of play.
Companies Capitalizing on Messi
Apple reports that subscriptions to its soccer streaming package have seen a significant increase since Messi’s joining Inter Miami in July. For its part, Adidas has experienced “truly unprecedented” demand for Messi’s shirt, leading to a backlog of orders through October.
Retailer Soccer.com recently revealed that the eight best-selling jerseys on its website are Messi-related, including his Argentina jersey and Inter Miami jersey.
In fact, the Inter Miami kit has become the top seller of all MLS clubs in every state in the United States except Vermont. Previously, it only led sales in Florida.
Where to Find the Cheapest Tickets?
According to a report by the CBS television network, the Sixt company, specialized in car rental, conducted an investigation that found tickets for less than $200 on StubHub, the official resale site, to watch Inter Miami matches.
According to prices on StubHub, the most affordable ticket to see Messi with Inter Miami on September 16 at Mercedes Benz Stadium sold for $153.
K. Tovar
Source: El Diario
(Reference image source: Zesan H, Unsplash)
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