Messi Mania: Inter Miami CF’s MLS Opener Generates Fever Pitch Excitement
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – The anticipation is palpable as Inter Miami CF gears up for their Major League Soccer (MLS) season opener against Real Salt Lake. But this isn’t just any ordinary season opener. This is the match that will mark Lionel Messi’s debut with the team, and the excitement surrounding his arrival has reached a fever pitch.
The impact of Messi’s presence in Miami is far-reaching and unquantifiable. It’s the reason why Inter Miami embarked on a preseason world tour, traveling to El Salvador, Dallas, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Japan. The tour was not only an opportunity for Miami to showcase their team but also a marketing vehicle for both Inter Miami and MLS. However, the tour didn’t go as smoothly as expected, with Messi’s lack of availability and Inter Miami’s underwhelming performances dampening the celebratory atmosphere.
Despite the setbacks, Messi’s arrival in Miami has had a significant impact on the local economy. Argentine restaurants, like Argentino Las Olas, have seen a surge in business since Messi’s move to town. The restaurant, known for its empanadas and other Argentine dishes, has become a gathering place for fans to watch Messi play for Inter Miami CF. The correlation between Argentina’s success in the World Cup and the success of Argentine restaurants is evident, and Messi’s presence has only amplified that connection.
For MLS, Miami’s tour may not have gone as planned, but it has provided valuable exposure for the league. MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledges that there were lessons to be learned from the tour but hopes that Inter Miami continues to tour with Messi in the future. The international touring dynamic is nothing new in professional soccer, and while not every game is perfect, it remains an essential part of the sport.
The demand to see Messi play has been unprecedented. Ticket sales for Inter Miami games, as well as other MLS teams, have skyrocketed. StubHub, the ticket reselling marketplace, has seen a seven-fold increase in leaguewide ticket sales compared to last year. The average ticket price to see Inter Miami this year is $275, a testament to the incredible demand for Messi’s presence on the field.
Messi’s impact extends beyond the United States, with StubHub selling MLS tickets to buyers in 44 countries this year. The top 25 most in-demand MLS games on StubHub are all Miami games, with demand growing by 150 times. The global appeal of Messi is undeniable, and his presence in Miami has elevated the profile of MLS on an international scale.
As Inter Miami prepares to take the field for their season opener, the excitement and anticipation are at an all-time high. Messi’s arrival has brought a new level of enthusiasm to the team and the league as a whole. The world will be watching as Messi dons the Inter Miami jersey for the first time, ready to witness history in the making.
