Lionel Messi could be a SUB for Inter Miami’s game at New York Red Bulls, coach Tata Martino hints – despite tickets for his MLS debut costing more than $20,000
- Lionel Messi was due to make his MLS bow with New York Red Bulls on Saturday
- That sparked a frenzy on ticket resale websites, with some seats costing $23,528
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Lionel Messi could be rested ahead of Inter Miami’s New York Red Bulls trip this weekend, despite tickets for his Major League Soccer debut costing more than $20,000.
After a remarkable first month on American soil, the Argentine star was set to make his MLS bow during Saturday night’s game at the Red Bull Arena.
That caused a stir on the ticketing websites, with fans turning down their seats at the match for up to an hour $23,528 – including taxes.
But Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has said his superstar is reaching a “physical limit”, hinting that Messi may need some rest and may not start on Saturday.
“Leo and many other players are reaching an important physical limit and starting today we will evaluate this – how am I going to face the next three games,” Martino said after Wednesday’s victory over Cincinnati.
Lionel Messi could be replacement for New York Red Bulls trip, Tata Martino (L) has hinted
The Argentine superstar will make his Major League Soccer arc on Saturday night
That victory on penalties allowed Messi to play another 120 minutes. Since making his debut on July 21, the 36-year-old has played eight games in 33 days, scoring ten goals, as well as amassing nearly 750 minutes of football.
“You also have to take into account the large number of games we played in 45, 50 days,” Martino added.
Messi came on as a second-half substitute for his Leagues Cup debut against Cruz Azul on 21 July.
But since then he has started every Inter Miami match, missing just 12 minutes of action in seven matches.
Earlier this week, the most expensive seats for the trip from Inter Miami to New York cost up to $23,528
He was originally scheduled to make his MLS debut against Charlotte FC on August 20. But the match was postponed due to both teams’ Leagues Cup commitments.
That meant Saturday’s trip to New York took center stage, leading to a price spike on ticketing websites.
On Monday – almost a week after the match day – the cheapest ticket (including all costs) on the website Game time costs a whopping $610.
At the other end of the scale, the most expensive seats sold for $17,554 each. Once nearly $6,000 in taxes is added, the total cost is $23,528.