The holiday season is almost here and the New York Red Bulls have announced a new MLS Holiday Pack ticket deal in an attempt to delight their fans. Their attempt turned out to be only half-successful thanks to a special Lionel Messi clause in the offer that has left many in disappointment. Let’s take a look at the two-game ticket promotion and how it potentially involves Messi’s Inter Miami CF.
New York Red Bulls’ MLS Holiday Pack
The new MLS Holiday Pack ticket deal from the New York Red Bulls ranges between an impressive $98 to $495. While this seems like a perfect gift for soccer fans in the United States, especially fans of the club, a minor clause written at the end of the offer with an asterisk left them disappointed.
Seriously… pic.twitter.com/fhGa2SHs1C
— Josh (@Cylormegill) November 21, 2023
The package includes tickets for the New York Red Bulls’ home opener game which is a crucial fixture for any team. The second game which is part of the deal is a derby match against cross-town rivals, New York City FC. The first game whose opponent isn’t decided is the subject of minor controversy.
The clause at the bottom of the MLS Holiday Pack ticket deal reveals that if the New York Red Bulls face Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF in the home opener, ticket holders will see a substitution. Their home opener tickets will be replaced with one for the team’s second home match.
A holiday deal offered by the New York Red Bulls soccer team includes some merchandise as well as a ticket to its first home game. But there's some fine print: If Inter Miami is the opponent, you get a different game. And it's all because of Lionel Messi. https://t.co/PMoHubbwlo
— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 22, 2023
While the clause does not directly mention the Argentine superstar, fans online have labeled it the Lionel Messi clause as it seems to be an effect of his presence in the MLS which has caused a dramatic 500% surge in ticket prices almost everywhere.
Reasons behind the Lionel Messi clause
This is definitely not the first time that Messi has had an impact on MLS ticket rates. Since his arrival in July, ticket prices have surged especially for Inter Miami home games whose tickets went from $152 to a staggering $864 in the secondary market.
Crew are selling individual Nordecke tickets for the Inter Miami game next year for almost the same price as a full season ticket in the Nordecke (which includes Inter Miami). pic.twitter.com/TTwoFC9wxq
— ⭐⭐⭐ Luke 茂雄 (@LukeShigeo) November 20, 2023
Tickets for away games featuring the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner also sell for exorbitant prices. Recently, Columbus Crew hiked their ticket prices for their home game against Inter Miami in 2024. The ticket prices now range from $382 to $679 which is significantly higher than their usual $40 price tag.
It's that time of year 🎁
On Black & Blue Friday, grab Upper Bowl tickets to Home Opener + Fan Appreciation for $20 👑 pic.twitter.com/nT8KzdeMjK
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) November 21, 2023
Now, Charlotte FC has thrown some shade at the New York Red Bulls’ MLS Holiday Pack ticket deal and the Lionel Messi clause on social media. The club playfully offered two-match tickets for a mere $20 and they guaranteed the price would remain the same even if they faced Inter Miami.
