Lionel Messi, Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain, has not stopped making headlines since landing in Miami last month. His contribution to the team has been outstanding, if unsurprising, with 2 goals against Orlando City taking his total for Inter Miami to 5 in three games. MLS fans are taking note, as tickets for Messi’s first away game against FC Dallas were sold out in 18 minutes.
The game in question is a Round of 16 match in the Leagues Cup, a competition held each year between MLS and Liga MX clubs in Mexico. According to Bloomberg, tickets sold out in only 10 minutes, showing how eager US football fans are to watch the league’s biggest new signing and probably the greatest football player of all time.
The sellout is even more impressive when you consider the cost of the tickets for the game, with the lowest seats available for a whopping $299, while official resale tickets are going for more than $600. For Messi’s first MLS away game, 20,000 spectators will pack into FC Dallas’ Toyota Stadium.
Messi’s debut at Inter Miami has significantly improved the club’s atmosphere. Prior to the Argentina legend’s arrival, a streak of 10 defeats in 13 games led to the firing of former manager Phil Neville. Since then, the club’s fortunes have improved and Messi has played a key role in Inter Miami’s 3 consecutive victories. In the Leagues Cup, they will take on FC Dallas next.