MLS rivals passed up $3m boost from the live Lionel Messi show - with Minnesota United resisting urge to follow NFL trend when playing host to Inter Miami

When eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi hits the road, he is guaranteed to sell out stadiums across the United States. There is a buzz whenever the Argentine is in town, with American fans desperate to watch the GOAT in action.

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In a bid to generate as much money as possible from that travelling circus, many clubs opt to move out of their regular homes and take up residence - for one night only - in the venues usually reserved for American football action.

Minnesota United had the opportunity to do that when seeing Inter Miami added to their schedule in 2025. They did, however, opt against moving that fixture to the much larger Huntington Bank or US Bank stadiums as Messi and Co. were instead welcomed to Allianz Field - which boasts a capacity of just 19,600.

The Pioneer Press reports that: “The decision to keep it at their much-smaller, soccer-specific venue meant its season-ticket base of 14,500 could sit in their exact seats for the match. And the choice to keep it in St. Paul meant MNUFC gave up more than $3 million in revenue.”

The artificial playing surfaces in place at American football grounds in Minnesota may have led to Messi pulling out of the game, as the risks of moving away from turf are mulled over, so the Loons ultimately got the performance they were after.

Hundreds of supporters were left on the outside looking in and found themselves denied a glimpse of Messi as Inter Miami’s squad were escorted in through an underground car park. Minnesota supporters were, however, able to celebrate a notable 4-1 victory over the star-studded Herons.