No Messi at Charlotte FC match means disappointed fans, lower ticket prices

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — When the Charlotte FC 2024 schedule was released, parents from Asheville to Columbia, South Carolina, jumped on the opportunity to get their kids that “Messi Mania” experience.

“He’s always looking for that through ball, that pass,” said one young Charlotte FC fan. “He’s got a great left foot, he’s always scoring free kicks. He’s just very good.”

Inter Miami will be without one of the biggest soccer stars in the world during their visit to the Queen City Wednesday.

“To be honest, we came to see Messi,” said parent Hunter Carson, “but obviously he’s not playing because he’s playing for Argentina.”

Over the winter, tickets started at around $65. Now that Lionel Messi isn’t playing, you can score a seat for a whole lot less.

“The Messi effect is real for sure,” said Blair Richardson, owner of Ticket Preserve. “Just one player having that big of an impact is crazy. It’s a great thing for us, for the economy, but when he doesn’t play it’s almost like a two-for-one for families because they can get that many family members in there.”

Last October, Messi did play in Charlotte, and more than 66,000 people watched The Crown take down Miami.

Richardson says the affordability of tickets has opened the door for those who wouldn’t have otherwise gone to the game.

“I wanted him to play, but I don’t think he is,” said another young fan.

Kids who were hoping to catch a glimpse of their soccer idol are disappointed Messi won’t be in this match, but still excited to catch what will be, for some, their first live game.

“We’re still really excited, though,” said parent Jay Fletcher. “We watch all the Miami games at home, and we know all those players, so we’re still pumped to be here.”

At last check, tickets were going for as low as $25 for the 7:30 p.m. match at Bank of America Stadium.

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