Tickets for Lionel Messi's Inter Miami debut cost up to Ksh 15 million

© Inter Miami

FOOTBALL Tickets for Lionel Messi's Inter Miami debut cost up to Ksh 15 million

Abigael Wafula 10:03 - 18.07.2023

The price is one of the most expensive ticket prices ever recorded for a Major League Soccer team.

In order for you to witness Lionel Messi make his debut for Major Soccer League (MLS) side Inter Miami, you might be required to pay as much as $110,000, equivalent to Ksh 15,570,500.

As reported by CNN, tickets for the former Paris Saint-Germain’s forward first match on Friday in the Leagues Cup against Mexican side Cruz Azul will cost an arm and a leg. The price is one of the most expensive ticket prices ever recorded for an MLS team.

Prices for some seats soared after the soccer superstar officially signed with the MLS team on Saturday in a deal reported to be worth between $50 to $60 million per year.

However, it was noted that there are much cheaper options available for Friday’s game. The average price is $487 (approximately Ksh 68,000), and some fans are traveling nearly 700 miles to see the match against Cruz Azul, a Vivid Seats spokesperson said.

Tickets to last year’s League Cup match between Inter Miami and FC Barcelona cost about half of that. Ticket prices overall for Inter Miami, currently dead last in the standings, have also jumped about 700% since then.

Messi, 36, is one of the most decorated athletes ever, winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, a record seven times and was part of the World Cup-winning Argentinian side last year. 

He is also a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, and the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year among other outstanding achievements.

His deal with Inter Miami includes an option for part-ownership of the club and a cut of the revenue from new subscribers to Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass streaming service.

His mania not only attracts football fanatics but also extends beyond the pitch. Hard Rock Cafe unveiled last week the “Messi Chicken Sandwich,” which is now on sale at its hotels and restaurants.