According to ticket seller Vivid Seats, tickets for the first game of Argentina football great Lionel Messi's debut for Inter Miami this week are going for as much as Sh15.5 million ($110,000).
Following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, Messi was introduced to the Major League Soccer club team on Sunday. He had agreed to a free transfer to the USA as part of a deal that extends through the end of 2025.
The new Leagues Cup match, an annual tournament between MLS and Mexico's league, Liga MX, will feature Cruz Azul as his first opponent.
Messi stated to the league, "I'm very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States."
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"This is an excellent chance, and together we will continue to develop this lovely project. The aim is to collaborate in order to accomplish the goals we establish, and I can't wait to get started in my new home."
About half of the money was spent on tickets to FC Barcelona vs Inter Miami's League Cup match from the previous season.
One of the most decorated athletes in history, Messi, 36, was a member of the Argentine team that won the World Cup last year and has won the prestigious Ballon d'Or award seven times.
His contract reportedly calls for the possibility of partial club ownership as well as a share of sales from new MLS Season Pass customers who sign up for Apple TV.
David Beckham, the club's co-owner, described Messi's arrival as a "dream come true" during his unveiling.
"Leo, we are so proud that you have chosen our club for the next stage in your career," said the ex-Manchester United player, whose 2007 transfer to the MLS's Los Angeles Galaxy was the league's largest ever.
Beckham said in Spanish, "Welcome to our family Leo," drawing cheers from the audience.
