“It’s a Dream Come True” – 21YO Rival Star Lays Emotions Bare About Meeting Lionel Messi, Ahead of Locking Horns With Inter Miami

Ever since Lionel Messi announced his signing for Inter Miami, there has been a landmark change in the American soccer landscape. Every match has been as exciting for players and fans alike as not many expected the 7 time Ballon d’Or winner to grace the MLS to such an extent. Even rival players and coaches haven’t shied away from fanboying over La Pulga.

A perfect example of this instance was displayed by NY Red Bull youngster John “JMI” Tolkin. Speaking in the pre-match conference, the USMNT defender couldn’t stop gushing over how it’s a dream come true to face Messi. As pointed out by fans on the internet, the youngster was cutely focusing more on Messi than speaking on how his team will stop the Barcelona icon.

USMNT defender excited over facing Lionel Messi

To put things into perspective, ever since Messi made his debut, the Herons haven’t lost a single match. Moreover, La Pulga has scored a whopping 10 goals in 7 matches. Speaking in the build-up to the match, USMNT defender John Tolkin firstly acknowledged the tough challenge that Inter Miami possesses. The 21-year-old however drew inspiration from the Leagues Cup final where Nashville SC contained the attacking prowess of Miami for nearly 120 mins. John then went on to give a speech on how much he admires Messi and what it means to him to face La Flea.

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“It’s going to be a tough challenge for us this weekend. I think you saw last night with the Nashville SC game that they are beatable. We are trying to go for the win,” said Tolkin optimistically. The 21-year-old then went on to speak about Messi and the significance he has over him in detail. “Since I was a little kid, it will be pretty crazy to look across the field and see Messi. I don’t care how hard it is. It’s just a dream come true. I’m super excited, it’s a dream come true.”

While facing Messi is a dream come true for John Tolkin, what makes the match even more special is the fact that this will be La Pulga’s debut match. The New York arena is witnessing incredible hype to witness this historic moment. However, due to this, ticket prices have skyrocketed!

Messi mania shoots up ticket prices in New York

While Messi has already played matches on American soil, the 7 time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to make his MLS debut. Fans don’t have to wait anymore as the historic night is happening this Saturday against New York Red Bulls in NY. As excited as everyone is to witness this sight, the ticket prices aren’t favorable for the fans.

According to reports dated Monday, Gametime offered the lowest-priced ticket (including all fees), at a staggering price point of $610. The top seats meanwhile are priced at a different stratosphere. The most expensive seats at the Red Bull Arena cost a whopping $17,554 per seat. This total price shoots up to $23,528 once a staggering $6,000 worth of taxes are added!

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While Messi’s track record so far guarantees a goal per game; the prices in question are really exorbitant, to say the least! Would you pay such prices to witness MEssi’s MLS debut? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!