Lionel Messi is set to join David Beckham's Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, and the clamour for tickets to watch one of the world's best is already beginning.
The 35-year-old is leaving French club PSG after two years in Paris and while he had been linked with an emotional return to Barcelona, as well as an offer from Saudi Arabia club Al-Hilal, Miami have won the race. The Argentina international hasn't officially joined but spoke of his decision to move to the States.
“Going to live in the United States in a different way and enjoying day-to-day much more, but with the same responsibility of wanting to win and always doing things well, but (now) with more peace of mind," said Messi, in announcing his decision.
The MLS season is ongoing and while it remains to be seen when Messi will make his debut, the consensus is the Leagues Cup clash with Mexican side Cruz Azul next month.
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The tournament includes all clubs from MLS and Liga MX with groups of three preceding a knockout stage. Inter Miami are joined by Atalanta United and Cruz Azul, with the latter potential first opponents for Messi.
The game takes place on July 21 at the DRV PNK Stadium. Tickets went on sale last month but demand has rocketed since the Messi decision. Verified re-sale tickets are being offered for prices starting at $660 for standing, rising towards $2,375.
The game will be screened as part of the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV while TelevisaUnivision, FOX Sports, TSN and RDS will be showing matches in the Leagues Cup in the United States and Canada.
Messi's debut is unlikely to come before the Leagues Cup given he will be on international duty with Argentina when they face Australia and Indonesia on June 15 and 19. The MLS season resumes after the cup on Sunday, August 20, when Miami take on Charlotte FC. The Herons then visit New York Red Bulls on Saturday, August 26 before hosting Nashville on Wednesday, August 30.
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