Messi ‘quadruples’ Inter Miami ticket sales – but stadium only holds tiny amount

Lionel Messi’s imminent move to Inter Miami has caused quite the ruckus in the sunshine state.

The World Cup winner recently stated his next move will be to David Beckham’s MLS franchise next season. Messi was frequently linked with an emotional return to Barcelona and a gut busting $1bn offer to join Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal.

However, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner rejected sentiment and money, instead opting to move across the Atlantic to Miami. While the move is yet to have officially been announced by the club, ticket sales have already gone through the roof.

And this could prove to be quite the problem for Beckham’s side as their DRV PNK Stadium only hosts a modest number of people.

Read More: Meet the Inter Miami WAGs after Lionel Messi deal including Russian beauty

Their stadium is only capable of holding 18,000 people – 81,000 less than the Nou Camp and around 30,000 less than the Parc des Princes. Nevertheless, ticketing company Logitix recently told TMZ Sports there were four times the amount of sales shortly after the 35-year-old said he will move to the Florida based side.

And with so few tickets up for grabs, the price of each one has also soared to jaw dropping levels. It’s also understood the average price for a home game has sky-rocketed by a jaw dropping 1398%.

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Most tickets for home matches were available for around $15, but are now selling for as much as $230. Prices for away fixtures have also been given the Messi treatment, going up from $53 to $251 – a 374% difference.

The details of Messi’s contract are yet to be confirmed. The Miami Herald understands it will be a “complicated” deal which could see him receive between $125m and $150m over the length of his contract, which is estimated to be around 21/2 years.

Moreover, MLS broadcast partner Apple and one of the division’s biggest sponsors Adidas, are also rumoured to be interested in offering Messi a profit-sharing agreement on merchandising and subscriptions. Either way, Messi will certainly be hoping Miami’s form picks up before he makes his debut.

They recently sacked Phil Neville after the club were left with just 15 points from 16 games this season.

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