Are tickets to watch Lionel Messi too expensive? Why MLS won’t change as prices soar at Inter Miami & across America’s elite division

Elite level competition in the United States now has a new superstar on show, with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi deciding to go chasing the American dream in 2023. He has made an immediate impact in Florida on and off the field, with A-list guests and neutral supporters clamouring to catch a glimpse of the all-time great.

Inter Miami have raised their season card prices for 2024 – and have still sold out – while Columbus Crew have announced that single-ticket prices for Messi’s visit next season will start at nearly $400 and the New York Red Bulls have released a ticket package that does not include a meeting with rivals from the Sunshine State.

MLS commissioner Garber has no issue with the pricing plans being put in place, telling reporters when asked about why supporters are being asked to dig so deep in order to watch Messi take to the field: “In our business, the concept of selling mini-packs that have certain teams that a home fan might want to see and pricing those differently — that variable pricing is a part of pro sports. Every other league does it, so I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be appropriate for Major League Soccer to do that. As to whether or not fans are being priced out of experiencing a Lionel Messi game, I don’t believe that’s true. In the actual market where teams play, teams are selling tickets and those tickets are still reasonable. We can’t control what happens on the secondary market. And as you know, the secondary market pricing has been very high. I think it speaks to the unique experience of watching Lionel Messi live. But I know that our tickets are among the most affordable in all of professional sports, and I’m pretty proud of that.”

Messi inspired Inter Miami to a historic Leagues Cup triumph within weeks of his arrival in the States and will be back to chase down more major honours in 2024 – with pre-season friendly dates against El Salvador and a Hong Kong Select XI already being lined up.