FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – South Florida has gotten soccer fever with the arrival of global superstar Lionel Messi.
The newest player for Inter Miami has been spotted around town over the past few days, leading up to Sunday night’s big unveiling at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Messi declared a new era for Inter Miami, and for Major League Soccer.
The seven time Ballon d’Or winner and FIFA World Cup champion told fans at his presentation ceremony that he is ready to begin training and ready to compete.
Fan Jonathan Gallego said he is here for the Messi mania that continues to sweep across South Florida, as fans now count the days until Messi takes the pitch on Friday in his debut for Inter Miami.
“I got a season ticket holder that wasn’t able to come last night, so he sold me his ticket to the unveiling,” said Gallego. “I have seen him play in Barcelona, PSG, and I’m hoping to come on Friday if I can.”
Gallego, like many other fans, still have the chance to purchase tickets to the matchup against Cruz Azul on July 21, but it won’t be cheap.
As of Monday afternoon, tickets online were starting at just under $400, with other websites selling some for more than $50,000. A price some are still willing to pay.
“I love it so I am going to pay whatever it costs,” said Ricardo Chicaica.
While some are trying to snag those seats, others are trying to get their hands on a new Messi jersey.
While they are on sale, getting your hand on one is much harder than you may think.
Fans can watch Messi’s Tuesday training session with Inter Miami streaming on Apple TV at 8:45 a.m. but they cannot attend, as practices are not open to the public.