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

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.

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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.

David Beckham and fellow co-owners Jorge and Jose Mas sanctioned the addition of 3,000 seats in a corner of the stadium in time for Messi’s debut, but with a not insignificant number left unsold for only his second game in an Inter Miami shirt, it appears as if many fans feel the club has overstepped the mark.

The Herons’ next home game will take place on 2 August after they progressed from the Leagues Cup group stage with a perfect record. They will face either Orlando City, Houston Dynamo or Liga MX side Santos Laguna in the round of 32.