Costs to observe the performance of Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi continue to soar, but Don Garber has explained why Major League Soccer will not alter its approach. A new superstar has emerged in the elite division of competitions at the highest level in the United States: Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, has chosen to pursue the American dream in 2023. Off the pitch, he has already made a significant impression in Florida, attracting both esteemed guests and neutral supporters who are eager to catch a glimpse of the legendary player.

Inter Miami has increased the price of their 2024 season cards, but they are still sold out. Columbus Crew has set single-ticket prices for Messi’s visit for the following season at nearly $400, and the New York Red Bulls have released a ticket package that excludes a matchup with opponents from Florida.

MLS commissioner Garber has no objection to the implemented pricing structures, telling reporters, in response to a question from reporters regarding why Messi fans are required to pay a premium to watch him play on the pitch: Variable pricing is an inherent aspect of professional sports, as observed in our industry, where specific mini-packs featuring teams that a home fan may be interested in are sold. There is no reason why Major League Soccer could not adopt this practice, as it is standard practice in all other leagues. Regarding the question of whether or not fans are being priced out of attending a Lionel Messi game, I maintain that this is not the case. Teams are selling tickets in the actual marketplace where they compete, and those tickets remain affordable. We have no influence over the secondary market. Additionally, as you are aware, secondary market prices have been extremely high. It certainly conveys the exceptional experience of witnessing Lionel Messi perform in person. “However, I am fairly pleased with the fact that our tickets are among the most reasonably priced in all of professional sports.”

Messi led Inter Miami to a historic Leagues Cup victory within weeks of his arrival in the United States, and he is already scheduled to return in 2024 to pursue additional major honours, including preseason friendly matches against El Salvador and a Hong Kong Select XI.