Lionel Messi return can’t even fill new Inter Miami stadium as debate over ticket prices rages on

Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami's starting XI this week, but his comeback failed to produce a full house at the club's new home.

Supporters have instead sparked a fresh debate over whether rising ticket prices are beginning to impact attendances.

Lionel Messi was back in action for Inter Miami this week

Messi made his first start for Inter Miami since the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday night against Atletico de San Luis, but noticeable sections of empty seats were visible around the club's new Nu Stadium despite the Argentine's return.

Journalist Franco Panizo noted it was the second consecutive home match with significant gaps in the stands, suggesting some supporters could be experiencing a “World Cup hangover” following a summer packed with football across the United States.

However, many fans argued there were other factors at play.

👀 Second straight home game with lots of empty seats!

Several stands here at Nu Stadium have noticeable gaps throughout, and we’re more than 25 minutes in.

Seems like a portion of general public is futbol-ed out after World Cup, even with Messi playing. #InterMiamiCF #Messi pic.twitter.com/QloL7Z7k57

— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) August 6, 2026

Several pointed to rising ticket prices since the World Cup, with others highlighting the high cost of food and drink inside the stadium, midweek scheduling and the challenge of travelling to the venue for a 7:30pm kick-off.

Some supporters also suggested many fans had already spent heavily attending World Cup matches over the summer, making multiple MLS games difficult to justify financially, even with Messi back on the pitch.

Messi had returned from the World Cup by making a substitute appearance against Columbus Crew before being restored to the starting line-up this week as MLS resumed following the tournament.

FGG says: Ticket pricing continues to be a major issue

It would be premature to draw sweeping conclusions from two home matches, particularly so soon after the biggest World Cup ever staged in North America, when many supporters have spent significant amounts on tickets, travel and accommodation.

At the same time, the fan reaction shouldn't be ignored. When multiple supporters point to ticket prices, matchday costs and scheduling as barriers to attending, it raises legitimate questions about affordability.

Messi remains one of football's biggest attractions, but even his presence doesn't guarantee sell-outs if the overall matchday experience begins to feel beyond the reach of many supporters.