“They’re Trying to Be Like LA Lakers” – Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Accused of ‘Price Gouging’ After Humongous Rise in Ticket Prices

Lionel Messi hasn’t started on the same note since his injury against Bolivia in the World Cup qualifiers. The Argentinean was substituted early in Inter Miami’s tie against Toronto, and the injury saw him being ruled out of the U.S. Open Cup final as well. With the World Champion missing out on major games, critics now debate if Inter Miami’s ticket pricing justifies what’s on the field. A former MLS icon discusses more about the issue.

Price gouging concerns have recently started to pile up on David Beckham. Inter Miami is being accused of charging high prices even when their best talents aren’t playing.

Need more thought and effort even with Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba are among the three best talents at the club. Messi’s injury is a pesky one that will see him off the pitch for quite some time. Alba is also out through injury. Despite this, Inter Miami is sticking to its heightened ticket prices. Herculez Gomez, a former MLS player, shares his opinion on the looming issue at Inter Miami.

The 2x MLS Cup Champion talked to ESPN, he said, “They’re trying to be like LA Lakers, and at some point to get there you have to do something to get there just having Messi won’t be enough, price gouging like that won’t be enough, it could be seen as taking advantage of the fan so what I’m trying to imagine is the promise of more.”

Gomez continued to add further, “You want the next big thing, you want the next American big thing, you want the next forum big thing, you want the next superstar in your market, that’s the only way I could see this working because to be the LA Lakers you have to be the showtime to say that we are an event type of town.”

Many fans and supporters are questioning if Inter Miami is deliberately not lowering their high ticket prices. The concerned fans are being asked to pay humungous prices to watch their team at play. What are the prices, actually?

Read More – Are Inter Miami and MLS Deliberately Hiding Lionel Messi’s Injury to Avoid Losses in Ticket Sales & Viewership?

What are the ticket prices and is Inter Miami price gouging?

Inter Miami’s decision to substantially increase ticket prices has sparked outrage among soccer fans. The cheapest season ticket for the north stand has skyrocketed by a staggering 82%, now priced at a hefty $884, double what it was the previous year. DRV PNK stadium’s lower-level midfield club section has seen a similar surge, going from $3,600 to a jaw-dropping $7,650. Disgruntled supporters have flooded social media with complaints. The fans feel they are being unfairly squeezed financially.

These exorbitant prices have led many to question whether Inter Miami’s price gouging is deliberate. The premium lounge packages, ranging from $42,840 to $45,900, offer privileges like exclusive access, premium dining, open training sessions, and a VIP entrance. The team justifies these costs but fans suspect that they deliberately exploit Lionel Messi’s star power by charging a high price to watch him perform in subpar infrastructure.

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