Lionel Messi Single-Handedly Challenges NFL’s Dominance as Inter Miami’s Visit Helps New England Revolution Upend Patriots Reign

Inter Miami managed to keep the winning spirit alive with a remarkable victory against the New England Revolution. The Herons ended the game with an emphatic 1-4 score in front of a record crowd at Gillette Stadium. Yet again, Lionel Messi managed to steal the spotlight as he not only set the stage on fire with his goals but the skipper’s presence helped him assert his dominance in the NFL-based arena. 

According to the data of TickPick compiled by financial guru Joe Pompliano on X, tickets to watch Lionel Messi in action today at Gillette Stadium were more expensive than those for a Patriots game. While the average cost of the NFL side’s match being held at Gillette Stadium is $275, tickets for today’s Inter Miami clash have been set at $285. This demonstrates how people are eager to pay more, especially to see Messi, even more than for the NFL. However, this isn’t the first time; it’s actually the second NFL stadium Messi has sold out this month.

Earlier, 72,610 fans came to watch both Messi and KC owner Patrick Mahomes during Sporting KC vs Inter Miami at Arrowhead Stadium. However, the attendance record isn’t broken, as 65,612 spectators came today. Regardless, New England set a new single-season attendance record in 2023, with an average of 23,940 fans per game.

With this attendance, Messi helped surpass the 61,316 mark of the Oct. 20, 2002, MLS Cup clash between the Revolution and LA Galaxy, as well as the April 20, 1997, Patriot’s NFL game vs. Tampa Bay that recorded an attendance of 57,407. Meanwhile, Messi’s mysticism doesn’t end here, as he hypnotized the crowd with his performance against a deflated Revolution. 

While New England Revolution grappled with the absence of ill stars, Lionel Messi took advantage to charm the away crowd

Interestingly, Lionel Messi also managed to cast a spell on New England Revolution’s fanbase. Despite their own side trailing behind Inter Miami, home fans were seen making chants of the 8x Ballon d’Or winner’s name. Be it the moment he scored a goal or was seen scanning the pitch, the rival fans unexpectedly did everything to make Messi feel at home. Rest; the 36-year-old did the job himself. 

The absence of Ivacic, Edwards Jr., Bajraktarevic, and Romney came as a huge blow for the Revolution, as all were sidelined for the match due to alleged food poisoning. Though the home side took the lead within 60 seconds, thanks to a strike from Thomas Chancalay, Miami went into beast mode with Messi’s brace, and goals from substitutes Benjamin Cresmaschi and Luis Suarez inspired the win. 

Winning games while registering records seems to have become a mainstream job for Lionel Messi. On the other hand, organizers continue to capitalize on the financial gains with unmatched ticket sales, thanks to the Inter Miami hero.