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FIFA Makes Deal with Miami Students to Fill Messi’s Club World Cup Opener

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 2:37 PM ET

FIFA has been trying to figure out a way to fill the Hard Rock Stadium for the opening match of the Club World Cup between Inter Miami and Al Ahly. According to The Athletic, there are thousands of unsold tickets for the match featuring Lionel Messi and Inter Miami representing the MLS

The Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, has a capacity for 65,326 people, but not nearly this many people have shown interest in the game. FIFA denied that fewer than 20,000 tickets were sold, but it did not specify how many actually sold.

With the public not showing much interest in the opening match, The Athletic revealed FIFA has decided to adopt an aggressive promotional strategy, what includes tickets that are going for as little as $4 each.

The main promotion involves Miami Dade College. FIFA, which partnered with the college in 2024, offered students a special package: one ticket for $20.

However, when purchasing this ticket, the student is entitled to four additional tickets for free. As a result, each ticket ends up costing just $4 per person—a symbolic price to watch a match that is expected to feature Messi on the field.

The special condition was sent via email to the institution’s students, who have over 100,000 enrolled. To access the benefit, students must provide proof of enrollment at the college.

Also read: https://athlonsports.com/soccer/fifas-1-billion-fumble-club-world-cup-tickets-tank-as-player-protest-wins

Lack of interest makes FIFA drop hundreds of dollars

The lack of interest in the match was also evident in the price fluctuations on “Ticketmaster,” FIFA’s official ticket sales platform. In January, the cheapest seat for the game cost $230. After the group draw, the price rose to $349. But this week, it dropped to $55 — and even so, sales remain slow.

Ticket sales for the Club World Cup feature prices that vary daily, depending on demand. As a result, the same section of the stands can be purchased at different prices.