Footage of Inter Miami fans leaving after Lionel Messi is subbed emerges

The Messi effect

Messi scored two and assisted one in his first start for his new club as they cruised to a 4-0 win.

Taking the captain's armband, Messi led by example and continued the feel-good factor around the club after he scored a 94th minute winner on his debut against Cruz Azul.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was substituted in the 78th minute and given a rapturous applause but as soon as the 36-year-old left the pitch, many in the stands also decided it was time to go.

Footage of the stands showed multiple people heading for the exit and by the time the full time whistle was blown, the stadium was near-enough empty.

Tickets for the game were priced between $220-280, the most expensive by some way in the MLS and there were reports that some of the stadium's most expensive tickets went unsold.

There is also a general consensus that midweek games are harder to sell to fans, with the warm temperatures also playing a part in people's decision not to attend.

Related links:

• Fans claim Lionel Messi’s goal against Atlanta is ‘scripted’
• Lionel Messi scores ridiculous 94th minute free kick winner on Inter Miami debut
• Lionel Messi thanks David Beckham for ‘making everything easy’ following Inter Miami move
• Gareth Bale questions mindset of MLS when asked about Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami move