18 August 2023 , 07:30
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Nashville general manager Mike Jacobs believes Lionel Messi's Inter Miami transfer has been "tremendous" for MLS. Speaking ahead of the Leagues Cup final, Jacobs has heaped praise on the World Cup winner as both teams step up preparation for a historic occasion.
Taking place at the DEODIS Park in Tennessee on Sunday, August 20, the final will be a first for both sides. Neither team has won the competition since it started in 2019, with only Mexican teams Cruz Azul and Leon having their names etched on the silverware.
While the occasion will be momentous for both MLS sides, it also holds great significance for Lionel Messi, who could win his first trophy for his new club on United States soil. Messi has taken the competition by storm since his arrival with nine goals and one assist in just six games.
The achievement hasn't gone unnoticed by Jacobs who, despite managing the opposing team, has heaped praise on the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.
"What’s happened with the addition of Messi and obviously some other really special players is tremendous for our league, the visibility of our players, our teams," Jacobs said.
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"Nashville SC will play in front of more people than in our club’s history and that wouldn’t have happened this weekend had Messi not come to our league. So I think that’s tremendous."
Lionel Messi could lift his first trophy for Inter Miami this weekend in the Leagues Cup final (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)Although the increased attention on the game will be beneficial for both sides, it has come with a negative caveat. Ticket prices for the game have risen to extortionate amounts with football fans eager to watch Messi and co. lift a trophy.
The cheapest seats still available via Ticketmaster cost a staggering £379.85. In comparison tickets to watch Manchester City defeat Inter Milan in the Champions League final at the Ataturk Olympic Games Stadium in Istanbul cost just £60.77.
Fans wanting the option of the "best seats" from verified resale tickets will cost a staggering £9,330. Despite the jaw-dropping prices the game is set to be an entertaining spectacle.
Both teams head into the game in strong form as they look to lift the Leagues Cup in front of 30,000 fans. Inter Miami come off the back of a 4-0 win over Charlotte and a 4-1 win over Philadelphia Union which saw Lionel Messi and former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba roll back the years with a goal each.
Nashville have also impressed in their last two games which saw them thrash Minnestoa 5-0 and defeat Monterrey 2-0 after a last-minute goal from Fafa Picault.