We saw it last season, we see it again. The marketing value of an MLS club boasting that the best in world history, Lionel Messi, is coming to the stadium is enormous. The height of fall is corresponding.
Last season, angry Americans, who had paid expensive judgments to see Lionel Messi live and brag about it, threatened to sue the match organizer. Simply because Messi this game either didn’t show up, or stayed on the bench throughout the game.
The Houston Dynamo have learned their lesson. On Sunday, the club was supposed to welcome Inter Miami, Lionel Messi and the rest of the Barcelona legends to the match. A packed stadium with 22,000 expectant people in the stands, far above the usual attendance.
Before the game, Messi was not registered as “unavailable” with MLS, expectations rose before the meeting with the icon. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano had no sympathy for those in attendance, he let Messi rest before the Concacaf Champions Cup last-16 tie against Cavalier FC.
After the game, the Dynamo Houston management came out and apologized.
-Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent. To show our appreciation, fans who were at the game can claim a free ticket to a future Dynamo match this season, it writes on the club’s website.
What is not mentioned is that a large part of the ticket buyers came to experience Messi more than the football match. This was the one chance for the home crowd this season.
On the pitch at Inter Miami were Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez. Three giants, but not enough for the American audience in Houston. Inter won 1-4 with a powerful goal by Suarez.
