Why was Inter Miami’s stadium not full for Lionel Messi’s first start against Atlanta United?

Messi played his second game in an Inter Miami jersey against Atlanta United, but it was far from sold out on Tuesday.

Luis Guillermo Vázquezluis_lgazulRoddy ConsRoddyConsUpdate: Jul 27th, 2023 04:25 EDT

MEGAN BRIGGSAFP

Lionel Messi’s spell at Inter Miami couldn’t have got off to a much better start. After scoring a last-minute winner on his debut at DRV PNK Stadium against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, the former Barcelona superstar netted twice as he made his first start against Atlanta United.

Messi lifts Inter Miami’s MLS gloom

“Messimania” continues in Miami and the fact the club sit bottom of the MLS’ Eastern Conference and the overall standings seems to have been forgotten about after their perfect start to the Leagues Cup.

Watch Messi, Miami and the rest of the Leagues Cup on AppleTV (free trial available)

#DRVPNKStadium está de fiesta💗🖤 pic.twitter.com/EV5xgPbI0N

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 26, 2023

However, unlike for Messi’s debut against La Máquina, there were plenty of empty seats at DRV PNK Stadium for the game against Atlanta, which surprised many given the occasion marked the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s first appearance in the starting eleven for his new club.

Empty seats in Atlanta United clash

As was seemingly inevitable, Messi’s arrival in Miami has led to a huge price hike for tickets at The Herons’ home ground. Prior to his signing, fans could routinely attend games for $20 but can now expect to shell out $200 for tickets in the same part of the ground.

This is Drv Pnk Stadium minutes away from kickoff between Inter Miami and Atlanta United.A good bit of the stadium is filled up, but there are also plenty of empty seats as well.#InterMiamiCF #Messi𓃵 pic.twitter.com/8jlldeZkc3

— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) July 25, 2023