The Lionel Messi effect has hit Philadelphia

Just a little over two weeks after the Philadelphia Union hosted Wrexham AFC at Subaru Park, they will get a chance to host World Cup Winner Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. The Messi effect has been absolutely huge for the growth of the MLS and Soccer in America but seeing it firsthand shows that Soccer can absolutely be a top sport in this country by 2026.

Fans from all over the world have been tuning into the MLS to watch, arguably the best player in the world and my lifetime, dominate the Leagues Cup. Since joining the MLS, Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass has doubled their subscribers.

Currently, Messi has 8 goals in the tournament and is the leader for the Golden Boot. Messi has taken a Miami team who is 5W-3D-14L and carried them to the Semi Finals of the Leagues Cup Tournament. While the Messi effect has already been in full effect in Miami, it has now made its way to Philadelphia.

Fans will be traveling from all over to see a glimpse of Messi playing on a pitch.

With ticket prices sky rocketing, some fans may not be able to afford making it to Subaru Park for this battle. Tickets sold out within minutes of the Union releasing them for sale. Resale value has some tickets selling at a baseline of over 300 dollars. There are plenty of watch parties going on in the area for fans to watch with the other Union faithful.

This is going to be the biggest match the Union have ever played in. Just being able to play against Messi will be a dream for the majority of the Union roster. If the Union can pull off the win, they will move on to the Finals and have a chance to play in the FIFA Club World Cup if they win it all.

It is going to be a fun night at Subaru Park as it will more than not be a sellout. The Union fans are going to have to be loud and give the team extra energy if they are going to want to win this matchup.