Lionel Messi's first full year in MLS is sold out! Inter Miami depleted of 2024 season tickets, despite fan backlash over severe price hike from 2023 packages

Messi joined Miami on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer and his arrival saw the club's tickets skyrocket in price. According to The Athletic, before the Argentine World Cup winner's debut with the MLS team, supporters could attend a game for as little as $29 (£23). For the 36-year-old's debut against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, the lowest priced ticket was a whopping $1,294 (£1,025). Moreover, in September, Miami announced their cheapest season ticket on offer would cost $884 (£700) - nearly double what fans had to pay in 2023 ($485/£383). And despite many fans complaining about the rise in prices, supporters have snapped up the season tickets just a couple of weeks after the 2023 MLS campaign finished.

While the price hikes are extortionate, fans are willing to pay that much to see one of the best players of all time. His presence in the MLS has done wonders for the league in terms of people watching it and revenue, plus, he helped Miami win the Leagues Cup title and scored 10 goals in seven matches in the competition. Messi also won his eighth Ballon d'Or last month and if he continues to shine, this can only help the MLS ahead of the United States co-hosting the 2026 World Cup.

Miami won their first-ever title, the inaugural Leagues Cup trophy, this year and Messi played a huge part in that triumph.

The fixtures for next season's MLS are likely to be released in December and the campaign itself should begin in February/March time in 2024.