50,000 Argentines Expected in Miami Without Tickets Due to Messi Mania

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has alerted FIFA to an anticipated influx of fans for the July 4 Round of 16 match against Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium. The AFA hopes that tickets previously purchased and subsequently returned will be made available for sale.

Claudio Tapia, President of the Argentine Football Association, announced that approximately 50,000 ticketless supporters are expected to arrive in Miami for the World Cup Round of 16 clash against Cape Verde. Consequently, he has sought assistance from FIFA. An additional factor is Lionel Messi's presence with local club Inter Miami, where he is adored by the public.

"We've spoken with FIFA. It's certain that tickets previously purchased will be re-released for sale, allowing more people to attend. We also understand that 50,000 individuals are traveling without tickets," Tapia told Argentine media in the United States.

Argentina is set to face the African team on Friday at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, which has a capacity of 65,000 spectators. Official tickets for the match are already completely sold out.

"We are working to ensure as many people as possible can attend a match that no one expected to generate such immense interest. We've requested information on the remaining number of tickets so people can purchase them and enter the stadium," he added.

During the World Cup group stage, the "Albiceleste" played two matches in Dallas and one in Kansas, with all three games drawing massive crowds. According to local media, black market ticket prices reached thousands of dollars.

"This is the passion our national team ignites, so we must try to help as many people as possible, but not everyone will be able to get in," Tapia concluded.