Tag: Lionel Messi

Is it Hard to Be A Philadelphia Union Fan? – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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Philadelphia is known as one of the most passionate sports cities in the world. However, the Philadelphia Union always finds itself in a precarious situation. Considering the constant roster rotation, lack of achievements, and lack of ambition from ownership. Consequently, it begs the question of whether it is really that hard to be a fan of the Philadelphia Union.

Constant Roster Rotation

A huge part of establishing a strong fanbase is having a strong foundation of players that fans can buy into and support for years. Look around other professional sports teams in Philadelphia, for example. The Flyers have had the likes of Claude Giroux and Bernie Parent. The Sixers had Allen Iverson and Dr. J. The Phillies had Bryce Harper and Chase Utley. Finally, the Eagles have had numerous memorable players come through, including Brandon Graham and Brian Dawkins.

Now, the Union has certainly had players with strong support, like Alejandro Bedoya and Andre Blake. However, the Union is in a fight against time. Having been established for just about 16 years, the Union has not had the time to develop its foundation. Unfortunately, despite their recent success, the Union’s constant rotation of players has made it hard for fans to grow a strong bond with any player not named Bedoya, Blake, or Le Toux.

Over the years, players have become fan favorites and have been almost immediately shipped away. Daniel Gazdag, Julian Carranza, and Jose Martinez within the last 2 years. Now, as the Union completed 2025, they are transferring away the likes of Tai Baribo and Jacob Glesnes. It is hard to sustain a fanbase, especially for a casual viewer, when the fanbase does not know who is on the field.

Now, the Union’s roster moves are not bad business. The club brings in unknown players for cheap and sells them at peak value. However, keeping the fanbase engaged is important. The saying goes, You support the crest on the shirt. However, a big part of being a fan is having players you love and support. Fans cannot buy a jersey with a player’s name because who knows if that player will be here tomorrow.

Lack of Achievements

Another difficulty facing Union fans is a lack of achievements. Now, the city of Philadelphia is unfortunately used to this. However, each Philly team has had an era of winning. For example, the Phillies from 2007 to 2011 and the past 8 years of Eagles football. While it was not always sunshine and rainbows, the Phillies and Eagles have world championships to show from these eras.

For the Union, their golden era came with 0 league championships. Now, the club does have 2 Supporters Shields and a trip to the MLS Cup. However, the seems to fall short when it matters most just about every time. The Union have lost 3 US Open Cup Finals and their 1 MLS Cup final. Being a Union fan would be a bit easier if fans could look back and see a Cup Final trophy in the case.

Lack of Ambition from Ownership

If the current Philadelphia Union were playing in an MLS Era before 2018, they would be dominant. However, the league has evolved, and the Union’s club record signing would not even crack MLS’s top 100 in terms of money spent on a single player. Other team fanbases get to see their team bring in $10+ million stars and the likes of Lionel Messi and Chucho Hernandez. Union fans get excited for the unknown player from South America who will become an All-Star and be transferred away for profit.

In all seriousness, the Union will struggle to build the fanbase outside of the city limits of Chester, Pennsylvania, if ownership does not commit to established stars.

Union Fanbase is at the Top of MLS

Despite all the troubles and heartbreak they go through, the Union fanbase is still amongst the best in MLS. Just like all other Philadelphia sports teams, the Union faithful sell out Subaru Park and show up for the Union. If anything, the difficulty of being a fan of the Union is a testament to how passionate they are.

All fans can hope for is a great player they can root for for years, ownership to finally open up the checkbook, and, of course, an MLS Cup trophy to go in the cabinet. If you or someone you know is a fan of the Philadelphia Union, give them words of encouragement; it is really not easy sometimes.

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Tags: Lionel Messi Major League Soccer (MLS) Messi MLS Philadelphia Union Transfer Market

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December 21, 2025
5 Leadership Lessons from ‘Professor Messi’

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This article was written by Evan Nierman, an Entrepreneurs’ Organization member in South Florida. He is the CEO of Red Banyan, a global PR firm specializing in brand building, communications training, and crisis management. Nierman drew leadership lessons from Lionel Messi’s actions as he led Inter Miami to the 2025 Major League Soccer Cup championship earlier this month.

Inter Miami’s recent championship run was a major moment in American soccer, yet its significance extends far beyond the sport and contains important lessons for every organization.

The arrival of Lionel Messi changed the team’s belief in what was possible and shows how a leader can influence the performance and mindset of an entire organization. His presence helped the club find a clearer identity, strengthen its culture, and compete at a level it had not reached before.

Messi’s approach to winning on the field highlights how strong teams take shape, how confidence grows through daily habits, and how leaders elevate others through calm and steady guidance. His MLS Cup championship run provides a practical blueprint for organizations that want to grow, compete, and perform under pressure to achieve victory.

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Here are five lessons from Professor Messi that translate directly to leadership and management in any field.

1. Success begins with a strong vision.

Inter Miami did not build its recent success on talent alone. Before Messi stepped onto the field, the organization had a vision for what it wanted to become. Ownership, guided by David Beckham, shaped the identity of the club and made decisions that aligned with that direction. Messi was a core part of this plan, and the foundation of the team’s success, but not the only key element.

This is a valuable reminder for leaders. Exceptional talent thrives when the destination is clear. Vision sets expectations, aligns teams, and provides a shared understanding of what success looks like. When the direction is set, the entire team moves ahead with focus and unity.

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December 20, 2025
The Union’s Path to MLS Cup – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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The Philadelphia Union accomplished its first goal, winning the Supporters’ Shield. Now, the club’s path to its first-ever MLS Cup is established. Fortunately, the path has fallen in the Union’s favor.

The Cup Runs Through Philadelphia

One of the biggest perks of winning the Supporters Shield is that as long as the Union is alive, they will be playing at home in Subaru Park. With the wildcard round in the book, we know the Union will start their run against the Chicago Fire.

The Union dominated the fire in the regular season. With a 4-0 win at home and a 1-0 win on the road. Should the Union see out 2 wins in the best of 3 series, they will be off to the Eastern Semifinals, where they would face the winner of Charlotte and NYCFC.

Charlotte has been hot and defeated the Union in the regular finale in Charlotte. On the other hand, everyone knows of the playoff rivalry the Union and NYCFC have built. However, the bracket fell in the Union’s favor.

Columbus, Nashville, Charlotte, and Miami all have to face off to get to the Conference Finals. The Union will avoid them until the Conference Finals. Those 4 teams house ridiculous firepower and can get hot and beat any team at any time.

Of course, all eyes are on Inter Miami. Lionel Messi is looking to get his hands on his first MLS Cup. It is very possible will have to go through the GOAT to reach their dreams.

A Chance to Right the Past

The Union is searching for what would be their second-ever appearance in the MLS Cup final. Unfortunately, we all know how the first in 2022 ended. Now, the league has gotten stronger and more competitive. The biggest difference is that the Union does not have to leave home.

Not many expected the Union to make the playoffs. Now, they are coming in with a Supporters Shield-sized chip on their shoulder. Who’s to say Bradley Carnell’s revamped Union can’t make the full run to glory?

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Tags: Chicago Fire Inter Miami Lionel Messi Major League Soccer (MLS) Messi MLS MLS Cup MLS Cup Playoffs Philadelphia Union

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October 26, 2025
Apple’s MLS Season Pass drops to as low as $25 for the rest of 2025

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The end of any sports season is usually the most exciting part, and MLS fans can watch the climax of the 2025 campaign for a discount. As it has done each year around this time since it to the top North American soccer league, Apple is offering the MLS Season Pass at a discount for the remainder of the season. Apple TV+ subscribers can get access for $25, while everyone else can snag the season pass for $29.

This is just the latest MLS Season Pass price cut of 2025, as . However, it’s not quite as great a deal as latecomers got on the pass last year. Apple’s end-of-season discount for 2024 saw the season pass in early September.

We’re now well over halfway through the 2025 season. Teams have between five and nine games of the regular season left to play. Inter Miami have the most games remaining due to the team’s participation in the Club World Cup, so Lionel Messi fans might get to see quite a bit more of him — especially if his squad makes the MLS Cup playoffs. You’ll also have the chance to check out a few new high-profile imports to MLS, including Son Heung-min at Los Angeles FC and Thomas Müller at Vancouver Whitecaps. The season will end with the MLS Cup final, which will take place on December 6.

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September 1, 2025
Where Do the Union Go Now? – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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The nightmare 2024 season for the Philadelphia Union is over. After taking a monumental step backward, where does the Union go now?

The Union’s season ended fittingly: with an own goal by Jakob Glesnes, a player who regressed further than anyone expected. Glesnes is not the only reason the Union’s season went the way it did. Unfortunately, the Union’s philosophy has left them with an aging roster that can’t compete with the top of MLS.

Where the Union goes now is up to Ernst Tanner and the front office.

The Philosophy is Outdated

In 2022, the Union had one of the best seasons of any team in MLS history. Their philosophy of building around the academy with $1-2 million dollar players was working seamlessly. Unfortunately, the league would change in the next season.

While the Union decided to run it back, every other team in MLS opened up the checkbook. Most notably, of course, the arrival of Lionel Messi. From that point on not only was the league moving forward, but the Union was moving backwards.

Time and time again, the Union is a superstar short of being a great team. Instead, the Union found themselves as the only team in the league to miss the playoffs with a positive goal differential.

Union ownership held a town hall this season, amidst blowback from the fanbase. Unfortunately, they made it clear the Union’s spending habits were not going to change.

An Aging Roster

It feels like an oxymoron that a team that prides itself on the youth is feeling as old as ever. Jacob Glesnes and Jack Elliott are not the oldest players. However, those two seemed to be feeling the weight of father time this season. Stars like Kai Wagner and Daniel Gazdag joined them in regression this season. The Union may not have the oldest roster in terms of numbers, but the talent has certainly been on a decline.

Of course, next season fans figure to see Cavan Sullivan factor into the team. However, a 15-year-old won’t save this team alone. The (likely) sad departure of long-time captain Ale Bedoya may make the average age lower. However, there is no reason to believe players who regressed in 2024 will magically find their footing again in 2025.

The Path Will Be Dictated By Ownership

The man who writes the checks will decide who the Union signs. However, if teams keep bringing in 10+ million dollar players, the Union will be left in the dust. They have been killed by Lionel Messi, Chucho, and Gareth Bale. If that doesn’t wake up the front office to sign a player of that stature then nothing likely will.

This is a rough but pivotal moment in the Union’s history. The Union can either wake up and evolve with the rest of the league. Or they can ride the same road and continue to see an emptying stadium and on the outside of the playoff picture. The progress made over the last 4 seasons will start to unwind. Only with 1 COVID supporter shield to show for it.

All other MLS teams have shown a willingness to evolve with the league. If the Union decides to stay the same, it will reap the consequences of it.

All fans can do now is wait and see how the roster changes over the winter. Who comes in and who goes will indicate if the Union is ready to compete or if they are willing to collapse on an aging philosophy.

Featured Image: Wes Shepherd/PHLUnionNation

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Ryan Hall

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October 21, 2024
Union Get Starstruck Again – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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The Union’s up-and-down season continued this past weekend in Miami. Despite an early goal, the Union found themselves in what is becoming a familiar situation. Having no way to compete with the stars they are facing.

It has been an unlucky season for the Union. This past Saturday, the Union again found themselves on the wrong side. This time, the Union got to be the team that Lionel Messi made his return against.

Unfortunately, just like last summer, Messi is too big of a force for the Union to overcome.

The Union’s Kryptonite is Starpower

A very noticeable pattern has occurred to the Union in the past few seasons. Just about every time the Union has to face a superstar, they stand almost no chance. Of course, a big reason for that is the Union don’t have a superstar themselves.

Look at what has happened over the last few years. In the MLS Cup, Garreth Bale put the Union down. In the Leagues Cup last year Lionel Messi practically single-handedly eliminated the Union. Messi once again downed the Union this year in his return from injury.

Every time there is a star player in front of the Union the team might as well roll over and let them through. The Union just cannot compete with them. Unfortunately, if the Union’s roster philosophy doesn’t change, then we won’t be seeing changes any time soon.

Where Are the Union’s Stars?

The Union could compete with the top teams in MLS. However, the Union don’t have the star power to put themselves over the hump. There are some great players on the Union roster. Kai Wagner, Jack McGlynn, and Andre Blake to name a few. However, there are no game-changing superstars. With the Union’s roster philosophy, there likely won’t be one coming soon.

Ownership made it clear that the spending will not increase by much and they will continue to rely on the youth academy. That is not a bad philosophy if there was at least 1 superstar on the roster that can change the game himself. The Union has a top academy that has and will continue to produce star players. However, those players are gone long before they reach superstardom.

Look at Brenden Aaronson. Great player for the Union, but his peak value was to sell him before he reached his full potential. The same will be said for Quinn Sullivan, Jack McGlynn, and Cavan Sullivan. The problem isn’t that the academy can’t produce stars. It is a fact that those stars need to be sold before they reach their full potential.

If ownership isn’t going to open the checkbook to bring in an established superstar, like Cucho Hernandez or Lionel Messi, then the Union will be in this position season after season. They will be good enough to tread water. However, they will always be missing the piece to put them over the top.

That piece will always be an established superstar.

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Ryan Hall

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September 16, 2024
Biden campaign targets Latino voters for Copa América

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One of the highest viewership men’s soccer tournaments in the world, Copa América, kicked off Thursday and the Biden campaign is seizing on the opportunity to engage and mobilize Latino voters across the U.S.

The Biden-Harris reelection team will host watch parties for the soccer matches with campaign surrogates, distribute Biden soccer jerseys, and place ads across the country for the roughly month-long duration of the tournament.

Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Biden-Harris 2024 campaign manager, said in a statement that the campaign is looking to “harness the energy of Copa to mobilize and reach the Latino voters who will decide this election in their communities, on the airwaves, and at Copa matches.”

Lionel Messi of Argentina enters the pitch prior to the Copa América Group A match between Argentina and Canada at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 20, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia.

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In line with Thursday’s inaugural match in Atlanta between Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Canada, the Biden campaign unveiled its 30-second spot “Goaalll!” that will run on television, radio and digital platforms across English and Spanish markets. The ad references the 2021 Copa América tournament — which was delayed a year from the summer of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic — in an effort to contrast Mr. Biden’s record with former President Donald Trump’s administration.

“Four years ago, we were shut down,” the ad narrator says over images of empty seats. “Stadiums were empty, Trump failed us, but then Joe Biden took over. He reopened the country and got us back on track.”

A red soccer card is placed over Trump’s face, as the narrator says that “Trump talks and talks and Biden gets s— done.”

In response to the ad push, Jaime Florez, Spanish spokesperson for the Trump campaign, told CBS News in a statement Thursday that “it does not matter how much money the Biden campaign will spend trying to get the attention of Hispanic voters, they will not succeed. Hispanics are very concerned with inflation, the prices of everything rising all the time, the insecurity of our neighborhoods, with the crisis at the border, it’s a waste of time and money.”

In June, Trump’s team rolled out its “Latino Americans for Trump” campaign as part of its mobilization efforts to reach the over 36.2 million eligible Latino voters across the U.S. The campaign is intended to show Latino voters “that the American dream is alive and reachable, and how the great achievements they enjoyed during the past years of Republican leadership will be coming back soon” according to Florez.

In 2020, Mr. Biden won Arizona by fewer than 11,000 votes, as was the case in Georgia. Mr. Biden clinched Nevada by less than 33,000 votes.

In 2024, one in four Arizona voters will be Latinos, according to numbers from the Pew Research Center, while in Nevada they will make up one out of every five. These are states where this year’s general election winner will be decided on the margins, and Latinos will play a critical role in determining the outcome.

More than 10 Copa América matches are scheduled in battleground states like Nevada, Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina. They’re key locations that the Biden campaign says it will capitalize on.

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Nidia Cavazos

Nidia Cavazos is a 2024 campaign reporter for CBS News.

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June 20, 2024
FIFA Announces Dallas Will Host 9 World Cup Matches

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The World Cup is still two years away, but Dallas is already a winner. At a press conference Sunday hosted at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium, media members, celebrities and local officials gathered to watch the official FIFA schedule announcement.

From June 11, through July 19, 2026, the World Cup will have 104 games over 16 cities in North America, with 11 in the U.S.

This marks the first time the men’s World Cup will take place across three different countries: Mexico, Canada and the U.S. The opening match is on June 11, in Mexico City in Aztec Stadium. The games will continue in Toronto on June 12; Los Angeles will host the first game in the U.S. also on June 12.

This isn’t the only first. The tournament has expanded from 32 participating teams to 48.

In a press conference that included Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki, former Dallas Cowboy Emmitt Smith and Dallas Stars former goaltender Marty Turco, it was announced that North Texas will host the most matches of any city, nine, including one semifinal game, at AT&T Stadium on July 14. Of the 104 World Cup games, Dallas is hosting the most.

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Former Dallas Star goaltender Marty Turco was in attendance at the FIFA press conference on Sunday.

Mike Brooks

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Basketball star Dirk Nowitzki (left) spoke about his love for a different sport: soccer.

Mike Brooks

“This is the biggest event in the world,” said Nowitzki, who spoke about growing up in Germany where people have “soccer in their DNA.” Nowitzki says he has watched soccer become more popular in the U.S. since English star David Beckham first made his way to LA Galaxy in the early 2000s.

For the portion of the announcement that was televised, FIFA enlisted Kevin Hart, Drake and the
“World’s most famous soccer Mom” Kim Kardashian, who announced Los Angeles as the first host city in the U.S.

Suffice to say, FIFA is really trying to spur a pandemic of soccer fever, following the tradition of Latin America and Europe. The sport is having a bit of a renaissance in the U.S. with Inter Miami recruiting star players Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. This week, FC Dallas made a landmark signing with Petar Musa in a deal worth nearly $10 million.

Also in attendance at the Arlington press conference were Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and Fort Worth Councilwoman Macy Hill.

The city of Frisco, said Mayor Cheney, will be investing 100 million into the historic downtown to “show off” the city.

“We saw the Messi impact,” said the Frisco mayor of the recent two games that brought Inter Miami to matches against FC Dallas, to record attendance.

Beyond its cultural significance, the men’s World Cup is a major economic boon. According to a report by Forbes, FIFA brought $7.5 billion in revenue after the last World Cup in Qatar — which saw Argentina take the cup in a match of giants between Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi and previous World Cup champion France and Kylian Mbappe — of which Qatar reportedly banked $1.56 billion. Qatar, however, had reported investing $220 billion into hosting, making the World Cup a major financial loss.

For the 2026 soccer championship, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross was asked at the press conference whether his city’s lack of public transportation may have hindered Arlington’s bid for a final.

“If you’ve ever experienced coming in and out of here, we get people in and out as good, if not better, than any other city in the country,” said Ross. “So we do have a public transportation system. We’re just not assigned to a transit authority.”

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he hadn’t been given any reasons why FIFA didn’t pick AT&T Stadium for the final. But, he pointed out, Arlington is a city that was able to support three Taylor Swift concerts, “Which is as big as the World Cup.”

Before Sunday’s announcement, Dallas was projected to earn $300-400 million in revenue for hosting — which should cover Dallas’ rising rent for about a month. Though at the Sunday press conference, the numbers hadn’t yet been calculated to account for the economic impact of hosting nine games.

Other host cities include Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Guadalajara, Kansas City, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Monterrey, Mexico City, Toronto, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Miami.

Dallas will host its first game on June 14, with subsequent group-stage matches on June 17, June 22, June 25 and June 27. Round of 32 matches are on June 30, and July 3. The next game (round of 16) is July 6. The semifinal game in Dallas will be played on July 14.

The final game is on July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. You can register for tickets on FIFA’s website.

“This is fabulous,” said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones of the news. “This is easily the most significant sports event that has taken place in our region.”

To explain to North Texans the impact of the nine games, FC Dallas president Dan Hunt offered, “It’s like nine Super Bowls.”

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Local officials answered questions about how the World Cup will affect their cities in 2026.

Mike Brooks

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Several panels of speakers answered press questions about the 2026 World Cup on Sunday.

Mike Brooks

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A scene from the press conference at AT&T Stadium on Sunday.

Mike Brooks

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Dirk showed love to his new hometown of Dallas on Sunday.

Mike Brooks

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Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hosted the media event at “Jerry World,” Arlington’s Cowboys Stadium, where it was announced that Dallas will host nine World Cup matches in 2026.

Mike Brooks

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Lauren Drewes Daniels

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February 4, 2024
Lionel Messi's 'historic' jerseys worn during Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory run just sold for $7.8 million

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Six jerseys worn by soccer superstar Lionel Messi during Argentina’s winning run at last year’s World Cup sold Thursday for $7.8 million, the auction house Sotheby’s announced.

The final price for the shirts, each worn during the first half of one of Argentina’s games at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, is the highest price for an item of sports memorabilia this year, Sotheby’s said.

Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw in the World Cup final, winning its third World Cup.

The victory, in which Messi scored two of Argentina’s three goals, represented a crowning moment for one of the sport’s greatest-ever players.

“These historic shirts are not only a tangible reminder of one of the most important moments in the history of sports, but are principally connected to the pinnacle moment in the career of the most decorated football player in history,” Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, said in a statement.

The shirts were on display at Sotheby’s New York headquarters during the two-week online auction that ended Thursday.

No information on the winning bidder was released.

Sotheby’s said a portion of the auction proceeds would be donated to the UNICAS Project, led by Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital with the support of the Leo Messi Foundation, to help children suffering from rare diseases.

The 36-year-old Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in the MLS, spent 17 years at Barcelona. He has won the Ballon d’Or, which is presented annually to the game’s top player, a record eight times.

Sotheby’s had hoped that the Messi shirts might set an auction record for game-worn sports memorabilia, but that did not occur.

The record for a game-worn item of sports memorabilia remains Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey, which sold for $10.1 million at Sotheby’s in New York last year.

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December 14, 2023
‘Funflation’ drives sporting event ticket prices up a whopping 25%

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John Brown #16 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates with fans after catching a touchdown pass during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

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Dan Hornberger has been a fan of the National Football League’s Philadelphia Eagles for as long as he can remember. As an adult, his office has team memorabilia lining the walls.

Last year, the devout supporter went to five home games, about an hour-and-a-half drive from his house. This year, however, Hornberger’s only on track to attend two games as costs soar.

“I’m a huge fan,” Hornberger, 40, said. “Ultimately, what it comes down to is just outright refusal on my part to pay those kinds of prices.”

Sports prices have surged this fall, according to federal data. That’s made game tickets the latest victim of “funflation,” a term used by economists to explain the increasing price tags of live events as consumers hanker for the experiences they lost during the pandemic.

‘A gigantic bounce back’

Admission prices for sporting events jumped 25.1% in October 2023 from the same month a year prior, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ consumer price index data. The category saw the highest annualized inflation rate out of the few hundred that make up the inflation gauge.

CPI as a whole rose a relatively modest 3.2% on an annualized basis. The index tracks the prices of a broad basket of items including milk, jewelry and airline fares.

“We’ve seen this through the entire leisure and hospitality sector,” said Victor Matheson, a professor and sports economist at the College of the Holy Cross. “People are getting back to things that they enjoy doing and are willing to pay a bunch.”

Part of the reason consumers may be seeing higher ticket prices for their favorite sports teams is because of the increasing use of dynamic pricing models, Matheson said. These structures allow ticket-selling platforms to fetch more or less per ticket, depending on demand for the event at any given moment.

There’s also an alignment of attention-grabbing sporting events taking place this fall. Beyond the typical major-league seasons, the Formula One race in Las Vegas last week and the announcement of soccer legend Lionel Messi’s move to the Inter Miami team this summer have boosted enthusiast spending.

But a large reason for the eye-popping 25.1% jump is because of how low prices were a year ago, Matheson said. Teams slashed ticket values in 2022 in a bid to win back fans who had grown accustomed to watching at home.

Sports ticket prices were 14.2% higher in October than in November 2019, a smaller gain than the entire index’s 19.6% increase, a CNBC analysis of CPI data shows. Much of the upward pressure on admission costs has come this year, underscoring the role of funflation as consumers shift their attention from Taylor Swift and Beyoncé concerts to NFL and Major League Baseball games.

“We’re seeing a gigantic bounce back in prices,” Matheson said.

NFL and National Hockey League sales have approximately doubled in 2023 compared with the prior year, according to ticket platform StubHub. NBA sales were up nearly 60% at the start of the season compared with the last, while college football has seen an increase of around 50%.

To be sure, not every sport this year has seen the same price growth. StubHub said ticket prices across the top 10 sporting events were 15% higher in 2022 than they were in 2023.

Matheson said tamer inflation overall should help cool sector-specific growth. A return to a more normalized entertainment spending routine following the post-pandemic experience boom can also help quell demand and prices, he added.

‘Really upsetting’

Rodney Paul, director of the sports analytics program at Syracuse University, said interest in attending games should be somewhat stable even if the economy worsens. That’s because a sizable portion of the consumer base is well-off enough to afford pro-sports tickets — which he said is essentially a luxury item — and should be able to better weather a downturn given their financial status.

But Paul said a meaningful change to the state of the economy could push fans who are less financially stable to cut back on extraneous expenses, in turn hurting demand. Cash-strapped consumers may justify spending more than they’d like to this year by reminding themselves they didn’t splurge as much or at all on game tickets during the pandemic, Matheson said.

Part of the financial stress comes from the resale market for tickets, some sports enthusiasts say. The rising price of parking and food inside of the stadium also have to be factored in to the financial calculation of fans such as Hornberger and Sara Weddington.

Weddington was able to save enough enough to attend a Kansas City Chiefs game last season, but she said it feels out of the question this year as prices have climbed. The long-time resident of the Kansas City area said she feels for people who have never gotten to see a game before recent cost increases.

“To have such a monumental part of the community be so out of reach for a lot of people is really upsetting,” the 23-year-old said. “Not being able to go to a game is like going to a candy store and not being able to get any candy.”

Still, Paul of Syracuse University said sports have taken on a new meaning in the post-pandemic world. As people increasingly work from home, he said there’s a larger need for in-person social spaces — and those who can afford it are more willing to shell out.

“There’s a real craving for that kind of feeling of togetherness that the sports world brings,” he said. It’s “a really exciting experience that maybe is even more exciting now because people had lost it in the past.”

— CNBC’s Gabriel Cortes contributed to this report.

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November 22, 2023
Jacob Elordi’s Diamond-Set Cartier Tank Has Us Swooning

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This isn’t the first time Gen Z superstar Jacob Elordi rocked a Cartier Tank in public, and we doubt it’ll be the last.

The Euphoria star, previously spotted wearing a Tank Normale in 18-karat yellow gold, seems to have a soft spot for the iconic dress watch. Though he was once an ambassador for TAG Heuer, it’s the Tank that he’s worn to two separate appearances while promoting Sofia Coppola’s new film Priscilla, in which he plays Elvis. This week, he pulled out yet another beautiful model, a diamond-studded Tank Must, on The Today Show, proving that the moderately sized, slim-wearing watch is alive and well among today’s young collectors.

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Unlike the solid-gold Normale, the Tank Must is more of a bare-bones, entry-level model. This particular version, however, adds diamonds to the watch’s famous brancards, turning a somewhat pedestrian reference into a stealthy flex with 42 brilliant-cut stones and a synthetic cabochon crown. Powered by a high-autonomy quartz movement, it might not have the Normale’s horological cachet, but it should certainly appeal to watch lovers both casual and serious—and it’s fairly widely available for $6,850.

In case you missed the Must craze: Back in the 1970s, Cartier released an affordable line of paired-down fare—watches, perfumes, and more—that offered the maison’s class at a more palatable price. These (now vintage) Must de Cartier Tanks used gold vermeil cases and quartz movements, and until recently, could often be had for under $1,000 on online watch exchanges. However, Cartier surprised the watch world back in 2021, relaunching the Must line with a series of colorful dials, solar-powered movements, and even a “leather” band made from recycled apple cores.

Nowadays, it’s cool to own a Must—though, to be fair, a solid-gold Tank still reigns supreme among both the watch and the fashion set. Elordi’s choice thus smacks of horological and sartorial awareness, with the diamonds helping it ride the line between classic Cartier and the brand’s push into more affordable territory (again). However you look at it, it’s a cool watch—and a great choice for an actor who’s cutting his teeth playing iconic figures whose impact on the zeitgeist can’t be overstated.

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Sylvester Stalone’s Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6265

While Sly may be most readily associated with Panerai—whose conversion from military to civilian watchmaker he helped bring about—the Rocky actor is a dedicated Rolex collector, and has been spotted wearing everything from modern GMT-Master IIs to vintage Daytonas. Speaking of which: Just this week he was snapped courtside at an NBA game rocking a to-die-for vintage reference 6265 with tropical subdials. In production from roughly 1971 through 1987, the 6265 features screw-down pushers, the Valjoux 727 hand-wound movement, either a stainless steel or a solid-gold case, and one of several dial configurations—including the famous “Paul Newman” dial from Singer. This version, with its brown chronograph totalizers, is arguably even cooler.

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Kumail Nanjiani’s Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675/3 “Root Beer”

Kumail Nanjiani is no stranger to a good watch, having worn a frosted AP Royal Oak in Eternals and a Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5167R on Hot Ones. This week, while performing at The Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena, CA, the Pakistani-American funnyman rocked a deep cut from the Rolex catalog, a GMT-Master ref. 1675/3 from the 1980s. Nicknamed the “Root Beer” for its multi-color black-and-brown bezel, the 1675/3 is somewhat of a divisive watch, with some absolutely in love with its unique colorway and “nipple” dial, and others feeling that its two-tone aesthetic makes it look like something a used car salesman would rock in a kitschy commercial. On Nanjiani’s wrist, however, matched to a blue knit polo and worn with confidence, it looks classy and refined.

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Oren Hartov

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November 4, 2023
Lionel Messi Fast Facts | CNN

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CNN
—

Here is a look at the life of soccer player Lionel “Leo” Messi, who plays for Argentina’s national team and Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami.

Birth date: June 24, 1987

Birth place: Rosario, Argentina

Birth name: Lionel Andrés Messi

Father: Jorge Messi, factory worker

Mother: Celia Cuccittini de Messi

Marriage: Antonela Roccuzzo (June 30, 2017-present)

Children: Ciro, Mateo and Thiago

As a young boy, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. At age 13, he signed with Futbol Club Barcelona and moved to Spain. As part of the contract, FC Barcelona agreed to pay for Messi’s hormone treatments.

All-time leading scorer of FC Barcelona and Spanish soccer league La Liga.

Winner of the Ballon d’Or, or footballer of the year, a record eight times: a record four consecutive years (2009-2012) and again for 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.

Won the European Golden Shoe award six times: 2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.

1995-2000 – Plays for the local club team, Newell’s Old Boys, in Rosario, Argentina.

2000-2003 – Signs with FC Barcelona and works his way up through Barca’s youth squads.

November 16, 2003 – Makes his team debut, as a replacement in a friendly match against FC Porto.

October 16, 2004 – Makes his official debut for FC Barcelona against Espanyol. Barca wins 1-0.

2007 – Establishes the Leo Messi Foundation, working to improve access to education and health care for children.

August 2008 – Leads Argentina’s soccer team to a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Beijing.

March 11, 2010 – Messi is announced as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

2011-2012 season – Sets the all-time record for most goals scored in a single season for a major European football league, with 73 goals.

June 2013 – Prosecutors in Barcelona file tax fraud charges against Messi and his father for the period between 2007 and 2009. The complaint alleges that Messi and his father, aiming to lower their Spanish tax bill, sought to manage the player’s lucrative income from image rights through shell companies set up overseas. Messi denies all allegations of wrongdoing.

June 25, 2013 – Prosecutors in Barcelona tell CNN that Messi paid €10 million ($13 million) in taxes to cover the tax period 2010-2011, but efforts to prosecute him for alleged tax fraud from 2007 to 2009 are still ongoing.

August 14, 2013 – Messi and his father, Jorge Messi, make a “reparatory” payment of €5 million ($6.6 million) to Spanish authorities for allegedly committing tax fraud between 2007 and 2009.

September 27, 2013 – Messi and his father testify in a Barcelona court in a preliminary hearing over allegations they defrauded Spanish tax authorities of more than $5 million.

March 16, 2014 – Scores a hat-trick (three goals during a game), to become FC Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with 371 goals, eclipsing the record set by Paulino Alcantara, who scored 369 goals.

May 2014 – Signs a new contract with FC Barcelona for a reported annual net of €20 million ($27 million).

June 2014 – A Spanish state prosecutor asks the judge to drop the tax fraud charges against Messi, but not his father.

July 13, 2014 – Messi wins the Golden Ball award for the best player of the World Cup tournament.

July 28, 2014 – A judge rules that the tax fraud case against Messi and his father will proceed, despite the Spanish state prosecutor’s June request that the charges against Messi be dropped.

November 22, 2014 – Messi scores a hat-trick to become the Spanish league’s all-time leading goalscorer with 253 goals, surpassing Telmo Zarra’s previous record of 251 goals.

October 8, 2015 – A Spanish court rules that Messi and his father will stand trial for tax fraud charges.

May 31, 2016 – The tax fraud trial begins for Messi and his father.

June 27, 2016 – Says he probably will retire from international soccer after Argentina loses the Copa America final to Chile on penalties.

July 6, 2016 – A Barcelona court fines Messi €2 million ($2.3 million), and sentences him to 21 months in prison for tax fraud. The Spanish courts reduces Messi’s prison sentence to an additional fine of €252,000 ($287,000) in July 2017.

August 12, 2016 – Messi announces that he will play for Argentina once again, having stated in June that he would retire from international soccer.

July 5, 2017 – Barcelona and Messi announce a contract extension that will keep Messi at Barca until June 30, 2021, and is reportedly worth €565,000 ($645,000) a week.

January 13, 2019 – Scores his 400th Spanish league goal in his 435th appearance, extending his record as La Liga’s all-time top scorer. Messi is the first player to score 400 times in any of Europe’s “big five” leagues.

August 2, 2019 – Messi is banned from all competition for three months and fined $50,000 by the CONMEBOL Disciplinary Court. The punishment comes after Messi accused South American football’s governing body of corruption, suggesting the 2019 Copa America was rigged in favor of hosts Brazil.

August 5, 2021 – Messi is leaving FC Barcelona, according to a statement from the club.

August 10, 2021 – French club Paris Saint-Germain announces signing Messi to a two-year contract with an option of extending for a third year.

January 2, 2022 – In a statement, Paris Saint-Germain announces Messi is one of four players of the French club to have tested positive for Covid-19. The other three players are Juan Bernat, Sergio Rico and Nathan Bitumazala.

May 30, 2022 – Speaks about his struggle to recover from Covid-19 after testing positive in January. He missed three matches: two in Ligue 1 and one in the French Cup. “It left me with after effects. It left me with after effects in my lungs. I came back and it was like a month and a half without even being able to run because my lungs were affected.”

December 18, 2022 – Argentina defeats France to win the World Cup. Messi, playing in his fifth and final World Cup, scores twice. Later, Messi wins his second Golden Ball award.

June 7, 2023 – Messi says he’s going to join the MLS club Inter Miami. “I made the decision that I am going to Miami. I still haven’t closed it one hundred percent. I’m missing some things but we decided to continue my journey there,” he says in an interview posted by Spanish outlets SPORT and Mundo Deportivo. On July 21, he makes his debut with the club.

August 19, 2023 – Messi scores to lead Inter Miami past Nashville FC in a penalty kick shootout to capture the Leagues Cup title and score the club’s first trophy.

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November 1, 2023
Justin Bieber Wore One of the Most Playful Rolexes of All Time

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Justin Bieber added to his collection of eclectic accessories this week with a vintage yellow gold Rolex Day-Date with a money-green “Stella” dial, a rare and collectible watch that strikes the perfect Bieber-esque balance between freaky and refined. The watch was introduced in the 1970s as part of a series of colorful lacquered dial options for the 36mm Day-Date, but like many bold ideas, the Stella seems to have been ahead of its time. Despite the popularity of colorful pieces from brands like Piaget and Cartier during that era, it seems Rolex buyers weren’t quite yet ready for the Stella’s exuberance, and it’s thought that many Stella dials were later replaced with more traditional ones in white, black, and silver over the years.

Backgrid

As Cam Wolf notes in this week’s edition of Box + Papers, however, the times have finally caught up with the Stella’s colorful personality—which fits perfectly alongside recent Rolex drops like the Puzzle Dial Day-Date and “Celebration” dial Oyster Perpetual—and adventurous collectors like the Biebs are snapping them up. Speaking of which: If you’re looking to add a Stella to your own collection, Cam notes that this week is an excellent time to do it, with a selection currently up for bids at the Monaco Legends auction in a tasty variety of flavors from eggplant to mint chocolate chip.

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Tom Brady’s Patek Philippe Nautilus

If anyone was concerned about what Tom Brady would do following his NFL retirement earlier this year, you can rest easy in the knowledge that the former quarterback is keeping busy cementing his reputation as a GOAT watch collector. Following recent appearances wearing a rose gold Puzzle Dial Rolex Day-Date, a solid gold “John Player Special” Rolex Daytona, and an extremely rare platinum Richard Mille, his hot streak continued courtside at the WNBA Finals this week with a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980-1R-001. While not quite as rare as some of the other pieces in Brady’s rotation, this version of Patek’s iconic sports watch has a solid rose gold case that shines all the brighter against a moody black gradient dial, making for an extremely tasteful addition to the team.

Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Leo Messi’s Patek Philippe Calatrava

It’s been a busy week for Leo Messi, who clinched Argentina’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying win against Peru on Tuesday before jetting back to Miami to watch his Inter Miami CF teammates tie with Charlotte in their last home game of the season. Messi looked suitably jubilant in the stands sporting a crisp white Inter Miami tee and one of the most coveted Patek Philippe watches of the year: the new Calatrava 6007G-011. Introduced in the 1930s, the Calatrava is a foundational piece in the Patek Philippe universe, with a refined, understated style and countless dressy variations. The latest version, however, might as well have been made with the Patek-loving footballer in mind, with its sporty sky-blue dial accents, a “carbon” motif at center-dial, and a matching contrast-stitched strap.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Ronny Chieng’s Mickey Mouse watch

Comedian Ronny Chieng stepped on stage at Carnegie Hall this week wearing a timely reminder that there’s just as much enjoyment to be had in a $275 Snoopy tennis watch as in a six-figure Swiss grail. Chieng, whose diverse collection includes pieces from Rolex, Tudor, and Seiko x Rowing Blazers, wore a vintage kids’ Mickey Mouse watch that he’s had since he was four, proving once again that the most valuable watches in the world aren’t always the most expensive.

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Tyrese Maxey’s de Bethune DB28 Skybridge

Maxey made an immediate impression as a man of adventurous tastes when he posed for his 2020 NBA Draft photo wearing a hypnotic matching houndstooth suit, shirt, and tie. It comes as little surprise, then, that the 76ers point guard also has a singular eye for watches. At this week’s WNBA Finals, Maxey was spotted courtside wearing the de Bethune DB28 Skybridge, an ultra-limited six-figure creation from one of Switzerland’s most avant-garde watchmakers. One of less than 300 watches de Bethune produces each year, the Skybridge features a deep blue polished titanium dial studded with white gold and diamond “stars” and a unique spherical moon-phase indication. Maxey isn’t the only one who appreciates de Bethune’s sci-fi styling, however: Tennis pros Tommy Paul and Jessica Pegula were both seen sporting the brand on-court at the US Open, and fellow hooper Kyle Kuzma is also known to be a fan.

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Jeremy Freed

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October 21, 2023
These are the cheapest places to see Lionel Messi play in the U.S.
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Soccer star Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to its third World Cup victory last year has brought his talents — and a lot of fanfare — to Inter Miami FC and Major League Soccer (MLS).

Parties behind the landmark deal to recruit the Ballon d’Or winner to the U.S. are betting that he will help further popularize professional soccer and attract younger generations to the sport. The move already appears to be paying off, with young fans showing up to his first practice to try to catch a glimpse of the international superstar.

“The Messi Effect is real!” Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas said of the increase in paid subscribers on social media platform X. “How exciting for a truly global fan base!” he added.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) crosses the ball ahead of Nashville SC defender Lukas MacNaughton (3) during the Leagues Cup Final match between Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023 at GEODIS Park in Nashville.

Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Tickets to Messi’s MLS debut for Inter Miami against Mexico’s league, LIGA MX, were priced as high as $56,901, according to ticket retailer Vivid Seats.

“Messi Mania”

MLS Season Pass subscriptions have more than doubled on Apple TV, since Messi made the move from his home country of Argentina, according to a tweet from Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas, that Apple CEO Tim Cook retweeted.

Tune in tomorrow to watch Messi and all the Leagues Cup action with #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV ⚽️ https://t.co/ZqmybySBa8

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 10, 2023

“For MLS, we could not be happier with how the partnership is going,” Cook said on a recent Apple earnings call. “It’s clearly in the early days, but we are beating our expectation in terms of subscribers, and the fact that Messi went to Inter Miami helped us out there a bit. And so we’re very excited about it.”

The excitement, dubbed “Messi Mania” has also driven up interest in live games at MLS stadiums.

Searches for phrases such as “where is Messi playing next” on Google Trends have soared in recent weeks, as have ticket prices, according to a study from Sixt, a car rental booking platform.

Lionel Messi holds first press conference since joining Inter Miami CF

02:44

Most affordable tickets

The good news is, you can still see Messi play in the flesh for under $200, depending on where you live or how far you’re willing to travel to see the soccer star.

Sixt looked at game ticket prices for Inter Miami FC’s 2023 matchups on StubHub.com to find the lowest ticket price available for each game.

The lowest-priced ticket to an Inter Miami game this season is $153, on Sept. 16 against Atlanta United in Atlanta, according to Sixt’s analysis. Of course, there’s no guarantee the 36-year-old team captain will be on the field. By contrast, the lowest cost ticket to Inter Miami’s matchup against Los Angeles Football Club in LA on Sept. 3 is $637.

Here is the list of the most affordable places to see Lionel Messi play based on his team’s schedule.
1. Atlanta, Georgia — September 16 — $153
2. Fort Lauderdale, Florida — August 30, September 9 — $162
3. Charlotte, North Carolina — Oct 21 — $171
4. Chicago — October 4 — $176
5. Orlando, Florida — Sep 24 — $269
6. Harrison, New Jersey — August 26 — $427
7. Los Angeles — September 3 — $637
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August 23, 2023
With Lionel Messi playing soccer in the U.S., single-game ticket prices surge by more than 1,700%

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Soccer superstar Lionel Messi’s move to Major League Soccer has made an impact on ticket sales, as prices for late-season games in the U.S. have surged by over 1,700% on the secondary market, compared with last year.

Messi signed a blockbuster contract with the club Inter Miami CF in July for $50 million to $60 million per year, which includes an equity stake in the team, CNN reports. Messi also signed undisclosed revenue-sharing agreements with Apple TV and Adidas.

Messi coming to the U.S. has created a surge of interest in the team and MLS, which isn’t commonly considered among the world’s top-tier leagues in terms of overall talent.

With Messi’s signing, subscriptions to “MLS Season Pass” on Apple TV have doubled, according to Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas. Inter Miami’s Instagram account has grown from 1 million to 14 million followers, according to the Miami Herald. And demand for Messi-branded jerseys has been so strong that the MLS’ official online store has pushed off delivery on orders until as late as October.

Perhaps most strikingly, Inter Miami ticket prices have increased for both home and away games.

For home games, the average list price on the secondary market is up from $152 to $864 since Messi’s signing, an increase of 468% as of Aug. 18, according to data provided by TicketIQ.

The effect is more pronounced for the away games, which include larger markets such as New York and Los Angeles. For all remaining away games combined, average ticket prices are up by 1,002% compared with last year, as of Aug. 15.

Here’s a look at the average ticket prices for Inter Miami’s remaining games this season.

For an upcoming game against the New York Red Bulls, the average ticket price is $1,674. Last year, the average ticket price against the same team was only $90 — a 1,760% difference.

Similarly, the average ticket price for a game against rival Orlando City SC was only $97 in 2022, but has skyrocketed to $1,755 with Messi’s arrival — a 1,709% difference.

Even the cheap seats have bumped up in price. The lowest-cost ticket for a game against the New York Red Bulls has shot up from around $36 to $578 with Messi’s arrival, according to TicketIQ data. Likewise, the cheapest ticket for a match against Chicago Fire FC was $23 last year but has since climbed to $192.

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August 20, 2023
Lionel Messi Moved His 3 Kids to Miami — Get to Know Them

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Married for six years but together for over a decade, Argentinian soccer player Lionel “Leo” Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, have three adorable sons together: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. While playing soccer has always been his first love (in addition to his longtime partner, Roccuzzo, of course), Messi opened up in a 2019 interview about how his kids have shaped his outlook on life: “You grow and you learn. You gather experience in all aspects of life, on and off the field. But, as a human being, having three children changed my perspective on life, my way of thinking, and it also helped me grow.”

In 2022, all of Messi’s passions seemed to come together when two of his boys rushed out to hug him after his team won the FIFA World Cup. Rocuzzo documented the sweet moment on Instagram, and in the caption, she reflected on what her husband has taught her sons. “I don’t even know how to start,” Roccuzzo captioned the gallery, per People. “What a great pride we feel for you @leomessi Thank you for teaching us to never give up, that we have to fight it until the end. IT WAS FINALLY DONE YOU ARE A WORLD CHAMPION, we know what you suffered for so many years, what you wanted to achieve this!!!”

In the summer of 2023, the family underwent a big change when Messi moved his kids to Miami as he transitioned into the US’s Major League Soccer. On July 11, Messi shared a sweet family photo of his wife and kids enjoying time in a pool and at a beach on Instagram, showing that the family seems to be settling in well.

From family-vacation posts to outdoor hangouts, the Messi-Roccuzzo kids are often spotted smiling on social media. And soccer fans are eagerly waiting to see which of the three brothers will follow in their father’s magical soccer footsteps. Read up on Messi and Roccuzzo’s boys ahead.

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Emily Weaver

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August 14, 2023
How Saudi investments are impacting the world of sports

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How Saudi investments are impacting the world of sports – CBS News

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After getting rejected by Lionel Messi, Saudi Arabia has made an offer to another soccer superstar that may be too good to refuse. The Saudi club Al Hilal has proposed a world-record $332 million transfer fee to bring Kylian Mbappé from the French club Paris Saint-Germain. Michael Goldberg, senior vice president of sports finance for global credit rating firm DBRS Morningstar, discussed the business of soccer and how Saudi investments are reshaping the landscape.

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July 25, 2023
Lionel Messi’s arrival in South Florida with Inter Miami could help soccer “thrive” in U.S.

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The much-anticipated Major League Soccer debut of soccer superstar Lionel Messi with his new team, Inter Miami, on Friday night did not disappoint.

After checking in as a substitute early in the second half, Messi scored on a sensational free kick in stoppage time to give Inter Miami the win over Mexican club Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, and sending the sold-out crowd at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale into a frenzy.

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a goal the Leagues Cup match against Mexican club Cruz Azul at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on July 21, 2023.

Arturo Jimenez/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Messi’s U.S. arrival is generating a frenzy of excitement in South Florida, with soccer fans extending him a warm welcome. The Miami Herald even dedicated a full-page message saying “Bienvenido Messi” last Sunday.

Messi, who is Argentinian and regarded as one of the greatest players in soccer history, recently won his first World Cup trophy for his home country. He now brings his global celebrity to the U.S., after announcing last month he has decided to play in the MLS.

Messi’s arrival, coupled with the Women’s World Cup as the women’s national team efforts a three-peat, will contribute to the growth of soccer in America, said Roger Bennett, co-founder of Men in Blazers, a soccer-focused media company.

“America will be a normal football nation in which the game is loved and it thrives, and maybe one day will produce a Lionel Messi of our own, which is when we know we’ve really made it,” said Bennett.

Bennett compared Messi’s arrival in the U.S. to LeBron James deciding “he’s gonna pack up and go and play for the Shanghai Sharks in China.”

His decision to play for Inter Miami not only marks a milestone moment for the MLS, but also represents a significant partnership for the league’s new streaming partner, Apple TV. The team secured the lucrative deal with some creative arrangements, including a cut of the broadcasting uptick for Apple TV subscriptions worldwide and negotiations with Adidas to share a portion of their profits.

Inter Miami’s owner, Jorge Mas, revealed that the deal to bring Messi to the team could be worth an astonishing $50-60 million a year.

“I’ve gotta give huge respect to Major League Soccer,” Bennett said. “This is an incredibly creative, a groundbreaking, a deeply inventive deal.”

The Messi family’s familiarity with Miami played a significant role in the decision, as they already had an apartment in the city, making it feel like home, according to Bennett.

In addition to his impact on the field, Messi’s presence is creating a buzz among fans and potential investors alike. Ticket prices for his first match with Inter Miami soared, reaching more than $100,000 for some seats, and demand for Inter Miami matches throughout the league has skyrocketed.

David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami and a former MLS star, hopes Messi’s arrival will inspire a new generation of soccer enthusiasts in the United States.

With one of the largest Argentine populations in the country, Miami is already embracing Messi with adoring crowds swarming him outside restaurants. Images of him shopping at a local Publix grocery store have gone viral.

At his first practice, fans flocked to catch a glimpse of their hero — especially the younger generation.

“We’re here to see Messi. Because we think he’s awesome,” said one young fan at his first practice.

In the wake of Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami’s Instagram followers have skyrocketed from one million to an impressive 10 million, surpassing all U.S. sports teams outside the NBA, reflecting the widespread enthusiasm surrounding the soccer superstar’s debut.

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Manuel Bojorquez

Manuel Bojorquez is a CBS News national correspondent based in Miami. He joined CBS News in 2012 as a Dallas-based correspondent and was promoted to national correspondent for the network’s Miami bureau in January 2017. Bojorquez reports across all CBS News broadcasts and platforms.

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July 22, 2023
Lionel Messi kicks off first Major League Soccer game in Miami

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Lionel Messi kicks off first Major League Soccer game in Miami – CBS News

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After weeks of anticipation, superstar Lionel Messi officially became part of Major League Soccer, playing his first game in Miami on Friday. CBS News’ Cristian Benevides reports on the historic moment from Miami.

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July 22, 2023
Lionel Messi Scores Dramatic Game-Winning Goal In His Inter Miami Debut Against Cruz Azul

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi made an unforgettable debut for Inter Miami.

The game’s greatest player — a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner — scored on a free kick from about 25 yards in the 94th minute, giving Inter Miami a 2-1 win over Mexican club Cruz Azul on Friday night in the Leagues Cup.

His left foot sent the ball over a wall of four Cruz Azul defenders and into the upper left corner of the net, unquestionably the greatest moment in Inter Miami’s brief history. Play resumed for roughly a minute before the referee’s whistle blew, and fireworks shot into the night sky.

Welcome, Leo. He waved at fans while he was seated on the bench. Waved at them while he was warming up. Waved at them while he was actually in the game.

And if that wasn’t enough, he saved his best moment for the end. He watched the ball sail into the net, something he’s done about 800 times before for club and country, then sprinted to the right corner of the field and leaped into the arms of teammates.

Messi checked in early in the second half with Inter Miami leading 1-0. He hugged the player he was replacing, midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi, then trotted onto the field as the estimated crowd of 21,000 all seemed to be standing, almost all of them with phones out to chronicle the moment.

It took Inter Miami four years of planning and two years of actual pursuing to bring Messi to the club.

“Worth it,” co-owner David Beckham said earlier in the week.

Nobody even left their seats when the halftime whistle blew. The reason: Messi was on the field. He warmed up for about 5 minutes during intermission with the other reserves before they all left for the locker room.

That’s when the fans, finally, could put their phones down and take a breath. Temporarily, anyway. The wait was officially on: When was Messi coming in? He resumed warmups while the second half was getting under way, jogging around behind the end line near Miami’s supporter section, and fans roared in delight when he gave them a wave.

And about eight minutes into the second half, the answer: It was Messi time.

The first Inter Miami goal of the Messi era was scored by Robert Taylor, who took a long cross from Robbie Robinson, moved into the box and sent a low drive off the inside of the far post and into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead late in the first half.

Messi leaped from his seat, threw his hands in the air, applauded several times and broke into a wide smile.

Cruz Azul tied the game shortly after Messi checked in and had plenty of chances to take a late lead. But the final act belonged to Messi, a storybook ending if there ever was one.

Team officials said all tickets — about 21,000, in a newly expanded stadium — were sold. Messi arrived with the team about two hours before game time, dressed in the team colors — pink T-shirt, black shorts. He stopped for a few photos and handshakes as he entered the tunnel leading to the locker room.

He got a hug and shared a few words with LeBron James — another guy who knows a thing or two about making a highly celebrated move to Miami, after he joined the Heat in 2010 and won his first two NBA titles in a four-year stay — on his way to the bench. Messi took his seat and watched his new team, in the all-pink jersey, shorts and socks, start his new era.

Almost every seat was filled, many by people wearing newly acquired Miami jerseys with Messi’s name on the back. They chanted his name a few times, waved flags bearing his name and number.

It was a bit of a mystery in recent days how much Messi, a World Cup champion for Argentina and someone who Beckham calls the best player ever, would be on the field in his debut. New coach Tata Martino said he would leave that decision up to Messi, who hasn’t played much of late and is working his way back into match shape.

Messi signed a 2 1/2-year contract with Inter Miami that will pay him between $50 million and $60 million annually — and almost certainly more than $1 million per match. Some fans paid well over $1,000 for tickets to Friday’s match, though the price on the resale market was dropping considerably in the hours before game time.

Beckham was on the field about three hours before game time, taking a video with his phone as he scanned the empty seats. Messi jerseys were stocked at the team store inside the stadium, and entrepreneurs were selling unofficial Messi jerseys on the road leading to the venue.

It was a gathering of GOATs at Messi’s debut match: James and Serena Williams were there — like Messi in soccer, they’re in the conversation of “greatest of all time” when it comes to the NBA and tennis. Music legends Gloria and Emilio Estefan showed up, as did Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and Kim Kardashian arrived saying one of her sons had a particular reason why he had to attend.

“He’s so excited to see Messi,” Kardashian said.

No matter what, it was a massive night for soccer in the U.S. — Messi making his first Major League Soccer appearance while, on the other side of the globe, the U.S. women’s team opened its World Cup title defense in New Zealand against Vietnam.

The Leagues Cup is a tournament between clubs from MLS and Liga MX, the top Mexican league. Cruz Azul won the inaugural version in 2019.

Neither club has enjoyed much success this season. Inter Miami has the fewest points in the MLS standings; Cruz Azul is the only team in the Mexican league yet to record a standings point through the season’s first three matches.

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July 21, 2023