There are thousands of tickets for Minnesota United’s matchup with Inter Miami on May 10 at Allianz Field listed for sale on SeatGeek — a “sign that fans are quite aware” that Inter Miami F Lionel Messi’s presence in Minnesota is by “no means guaranteed,” according to Jon Marthaler of the MINNESOTA STAR TRIBUNE. The remaining tickets include “hundreds still available direct from the team” ranging from $300 for a spot in the supporter’s section, to more than $10,000, for field-level tickets behind the Miami bench. Both the Houston Dynamo and Vancouver Whitecaps “tried to make up Messi’s absence to their fans” as the Dynamo gave fans a free ticket to a future game, while Vancouver gave away food. Those who already have tickets, and those who are saving up to buy them, can “only wait and cross their fingers that Messi’s health and Miami’s competitive needs will both hold out.” Marthaler noted Inter Miami’s trip to Minnesota “comes at a better time in its schedule,” in terms of potential rest days. Inter Miami will not have a midweek game the week beforehand. Also, Allianz Field has natural grass, rather than the Vancouver artificial turf that could be “counted on to rattle aged knees.” It is likely the “only chance Minnesota soccer fans will ever have to see their team take on Messi in Minnesota” (MINNESOTA STAR TRIBUNE, 3/19).
