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Lionel Messi's Arrival in the U.S. Sparks Surge in Ticket Prices by Over 1,700%
Impact on Team and League
Lionel Messi's move to Major League Soccer (MLS) has had a significant impact on ticket sales, with prices for late-season games in the U.S. skyrocketing by over 1,700% compared to last year. This high-profile signing has generated a surge of interest in both Messi's team, Inter Miami CF, and the MLS as a whole, which is not traditionally considered among the world's top-tier leagues in terms of overall talent.
Increased Subscriptions and Social Media Growth
The arrival of Messi has led to a doubling of subscriptions to "MLS Season Pass" on Apple TV, according to Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas. Additionally, Inter Miami's Instagram account has seen a remarkable growth from 1 million to 14 million followers, as reported by the Miami Herald. The demand for Messi-branded jerseys has been so overwhelming that the MLS' official online store is experiencing delays in delivering orders until as late as October.
Surge in Ticket Prices
Home Games
The impact on ticket prices is most evident for both home and away games. For home games, the average list price on the secondary market has surged from $152 to $864 since Messi's signing, marking a 468% increase as of August 18, according to TicketIQ data.
Away Games
The effect is even more pronounced for away games, particularly in larger markets like New York and Los Angeles. Average ticket prices for all remaining away games combined have surged by 1,002% compared to last year, as of August 15.
Specific Game Examples
Looking at specific upcoming games, the average ticket price for an Inter Miami game against the New York Red Bulls is now $1,674, a staggering 1,760% increase from last year's average ticket price of $90. Similarly, a game against rival Orlando City SC has seen the average ticket price surge from $97 in 2022 to $1,755 with Messi's arrival, a 1,709% difference.
Even the cheapest seats have experienced a significant price bump. The lowest-cost ticket for a game against the New York Red Bulls has risen from around $36 to $578 with Messi's arrival. Similarly, the cheapest ticket for a match against Chicago Fire FC has climbed from $23 last year to $192.
In conclusion, Lionel Messi's presence in the U.S. has caused a remarkable surge in ticket prices, both for home and away games. This signing has not only boosted the popularity of Inter Miami and the MLS but has also created a frenzy among fans eager to witness Messi's talent firsthand.
Implications of Lionel Messi's Arrival for New Businesses
Opportunities and Challenges
The arrival of Lionel Messi in the U.S. and the subsequent surge in ticket prices provides a unique perspective on how high-profile signings can impact new businesses. This phenomenon demonstrates the power of star power and its potential to drive consumer interest and demand.
Increased Visibility and Demand
For new businesses, especially those in the entertainment or sports industry, attracting a high-profile figure can significantly boost visibility and demand, as evidenced by the surge in ticket prices, subscriptions, and social media followers. This can result in increased revenue and rapid growth.
Managing Expectations and Costs
However, this strategy also comes with challenges. The cost of attracting such talent can be substantial and may strain the resources of a new business. Furthermore, managing the expectations of customers and maintaining the increased level of demand can be challenging.
Long-Term Sustainability
While the initial surge in interest can provide a significant boost, businesses must also consider long-term sustainability. High-profile figures may attract initial attention, but maintaining customer interest requires consistent quality and service.
In conclusion, while the Lionel Messi phenomenon offers valuable insights for new businesses, it also highlights the need for careful planning, strategic investment, and a focus on long-term customer engagement.
