Soccer

Ticket prices for US Open Cup final plummet as Lionel Messi is ruled out

When many expected to see Lionel Messi try and conquer another title with Inter Miami, the soccer community found out the Argentine star won't take part in the 2023 US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo.

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Updated on
September 28, 2023 09:21AM EDT

Lionel Messi‘s presence has been a game-changer not only for Major League Soccer, but especially for Inter Miami. Therefore, many fans were disappointed to find out that Leo won’t suit up in the 2023 US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo.

The 36-year-old has been struggling with muscle fatigue since he came back from the September international break with Argentina. Though he got to see the field against Toronto FC, it only took 36 minutes for Messi to ask for the substitution.

He missed the Herons’ following game against Orlando City hoping to recover on time for the domestic cup decider, but it wasn’t possible. Unsurprisingly, ticket prices for this clash have plummeted since the news broke.

Ticket prices for Inter Miami-Houston Dynamo drop as Messi is not playing

Messi has made a significant impact in US soccer not only on the field, but also off it. Ticket prices for Inter Miami games have gone through the roof since he joined the club, and the US Open Cup final was no exception.

Only a few days ago, when Messi was still expected to play, the cheapest seat for the final cost $220. When people found out Messi wouldn’t play, tickets became available for less than $70.

via Gametime

Something similar happened a few weeks ago, when fans found out Messi wasn’t traveling with Inter Miami for the road game against Atlanta United. At the end of the day, it’s clear that many people are only interested in watching Messi in action.

How many games has Lionel Messi missed with Inter Miami?

The US Open Cup final will be the fourth game Lionel Messi will miss since joining Inter Miami in July 2023.

Martín O’donnell

Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of soccer, NFL, and NBA, with a specialty in real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Editor, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis.