The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner scored his ninth goal in six matches with his new team in front of a crowd that pushed 20,000 fans, with ticket prices soaring past USD 1,000 on the secondary market
Fans erupted when Messi was introduced and went wild again when he scored past diving goalkeeper Andre Blake. Messi ran with his arms extended and then punched his fist in the air as he leapt in celebration. The rest was almost incidental. Jordi Alba and Josef Martinez also scored in the first half for Miami, and David Ruiz scored in the second. Miami will play in the Leagues Cup championship game Saturday against either Nashville or Mexican club Monterrey
Inter Miami already played in Chester before Messi had signed, leaving Union officials to study the Leagues Cup field like an NCAA Tournament bracket once it was announced.
Led by the rabid supporters group called "Sons of Ben," the Messi game sold out in less than 10 minutes and the price exploded this week on the secondary market. River End seats that normally go for USD 43 spiked to more than a grand, and the average price of USD 556 was the highest in Union history. An hour or so before the game, tickets in the lower level were still going for USD 450 and up.
Outside the stadium, it was Messi Mania for the superstar, who led Argentina to the World Cup title last year and has essentially become a one-man 1992 Dream Team. Angel Pagan and her family, of Vineland, New Jersey, all wore Messi shirts, even though they are Union season-ticket holders. They love Messi so much, their youngest son is named Lionel in his honor.
ADVERTISEMENT
