The strategy to keep stadiums packed might not be off to the best start at the new FIFA Club World Cup, where Inter Miami kicks off against Al-Ahly in a match that has completely lost its spotlight. Reports indicate that ticket prices have even been slashed to salvage the box office.

FIFA’s Response to Inter Miami and Messi’s Box Office Struggles

According to the New York Times, FIFA has drastically reduced ticket prices for the opening match of the new FIFA Club World Cup format due to low sales, with tens of thousands of seats still unsold at Inter Miami’s home stadium, which has a capacity of just over 65,000 spectators.

The report notes that prices dropped from $349 in December to $55, reflecting far lower demand than expected, despite the presence of stars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.

Matches featuring Real Madrid or Boca Juniors are generating greater demand, though FIFA remains optimistic, with over 130 countries represented in ticket sales and $1 billion in prize money at stake.

Agüero Says Everyone Wants to See Messi

Former Argentine player Sergio Agüero emphasized the importance of Inter Miami’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, particularly due to Lionel Messi’s presence, stating, “Whether it pains some people or not, he’s the one everyone wants to see.”

“We know Leo is there, and for the world, for the fans, it was very important that Inter Miami was included, because, whether some like it or not, Messi is the one everyone wants to watch,” Agüero said in statements provided by FIFA.

“It’s going to be great to see Inter Miami compete, and above all, to see Messi with Inter Miami,” he continued.

Messi and Inter Miami will open the FIFA Club World Cup on June 14 against Al-Ahly.
Inter Miami is grouped with Porto, Palmeiras, and Al-Ahly.

“Leo in this new challenge will want to give his all because he doesn’t like losing at anything,” Agüero said.

The former Argentine striker also highlighted the constant threat of facing Messi.
“When you have Leo on the opposing team, even if he’s off for 88 minutes, in those last two minutes, he can pull off a play you don’t expect. In the end, he’s the world’s best player, and he can hurt you at any moment because he’s number one,” he stated.

In the interview, Agüero also expressed confidence that his former team, Atlético Madrid, will be competitive in the Club World Cup and praised the counterattacking prowess that his compatriot Julián Álvarez brings to Diego Pablo Simeone’s attacking line.