Ticket prices skyrocket by 1,000% as Lionel Messi's transfer to MLS sends sports fans into frenzy

This is what happens when one of the greatest athletes of all time makes a move.

After leaving Paris Saint-Germain and turning down a $1.3 billion deal from Saudi Arabia, the consensus football GOAT (Cristiano Ronaldo and Pele fans would agree, right?) decided to take his talents to Inter Miami of MLS. And just like that, the tsunami of effects has already hit South Beach.

Case in point, a formerly $29 dollar ticket now costs $329, according to a report from Reuters. That's more than 1,000% increase. So, season ticket holders basically hit the jackpot.

Inter Miami season ticket holders right now 💰📈 pic.twitter.com/nm3zTTbIxK

— Garcia Futbol (@GFCards) June 7, 2023

Even NBA superstars got hyped hearing the news of Messi's transfer.

Giannis Antetokounmpo basically invited the Argentinian to hang out.

Welcome to the MLS Messi!! See you at Nashville🔥🚀

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) June 7, 2023

From one World Cup winner to another, Kevin Durant also welcomed Leo.

Welcome, Messi. Let’s get it @mls @PhilaUnion

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) June 7, 2023

Twitter user @BronGotGame also has a really interesting question.

Does Messi coming to Miami make him the most famous person in America now

— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀??🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) June 8, 2023

Messi, at least has to be among the top list of famous people (not just athletes) in America. Imagine the security nightmare.

I am dead serious when I say this:

They are going to need the national guard surrounding Messi and Inter Miami at all times. This is arguably the biggest star to touch a playing surface in American Sports history. This guy won’t be able to breathe outside his house without chaos https://t.co/oAX5s7KkRq

— Trill Mickelson (@Trillonhere) June 8, 2023

And even at 35, expect Leo to dominate MLS, and turn Inter Miami—currently dead last in the standings—into an instant must-watch team.

Messi after dropping 4 goals and 3 assists vs Sporting KC in front of a Nebraska Furniture Mart pic.twitter.com/OJbV4lr79A

— KEVIÑCHO (@KEVINCHO_TV) June 7, 2023

Here's a mandatory Cristiano Ronaldo comparison meme though.

Messi fans after clowning Ronaldo for joining the Camel league just for Messi to join the Cheeseburger league 6 months later
pic.twitter.com/K5ojNAbJCr

— PointGod (@Point_God_11_) June 7, 2023