Whenever Lionel Messi plays an away match with Inter Miami CF, many teams in Major League Soccer are shifting their games to much larger stadiums. The reason is simple: massive demand to watch Messi live.
Today, Inter Miami will face D.C. United at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Normally, D.C. United plays at Audi Field, which has a capacity of about 20,000. But for this match, the team moved the game about 40 miles away to the 71,000-seat stadium, usually home to the NFL team Baltimore Ravens.
There is no mystery behind this decision. It is largely about professionalism and economics. Last year, Columbus Crew did something similar by moving a match to Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland. The reason was the same phenomenon widely known as “Messi-mania.”
Some loyal MLS supporters criticize the practice as a break from tradition. However, from a business perspective, it allows clubs to bring the league’s biggest attraction to new audiences while generating significantly higher revenue.
For example, Columbus Crew normally fills its 20,000-seat stadium. But when the match was moved to Cleveland, attendance reached nearly 60,000. Even without raising ticket prices, triple the crowd meant far greater profits.
At the same time, games played in NFL stadiums often lead to higher ticket prices. For the Baltimore match, resale tickets start around $71, while fans wanting to sit closer to the field to watch Messi may have to pay more than $500.
Messi remains the biggest attraction in football today. For many fans, seeing him play live is still at the top of their personal “bucket list.” With the Argentine legend approaching 39 this year, many supporters feel time is running out to witness him in person.
The benefits of these stadium changes are not limited to club owners. They also help expand soccer’s popularity in the United States. Baltimore, for example, does not currently have a major professional soccer team. By bringing a Messi match there, D.C. United hopes to attract new fans.
Some spectators may come only to see Messi, while others might attend out of curiosity. But if even a small portion of them fall in love with the sport, it will be a success for MLS. League owners know opportunities like this will not last forever, which is why Inter Miami’s matches in large NFL stadiums may continue for some time.
