Tickets were at a premium Tuesday at Subaru Park in Chester for Philadelphia Union’s Leagues Cup Semi-Final match against Inter Miami FC, writes John George for Philadelphia Business Journal.

Sellers were asking as much as $4,000 for a ticket.  The average ticket price at a Union game is about $40.

The draw was international soccer star Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami FC signed Messi in mid-July for two and a half seasons. The international superstar took Argentina to the World Cup title last December.

A four-time Champions League winner, he has scored more than 800 goals in club and international league play.

Union head coach Jim Curtin asked fans not to sell their tickets to the game.

“We’re talking about the best player of all time coming here with the trophy on the line,” Curtin said. “So, it’s a big game. I know our fans are going to show up. Please don’t sell your tickets no matter how much money they’re offering for them, please.”

In the end, Inter Miami took a 4-1 win over Philadelphia Union Tuesday night. Inter Miami advances to Saturday’s Leagues Cup final against Monterrey or Nashville SC.

Read more about Tuesday’s game ticket prices and the influence of Lionel Messi in the Philadelphia Business Journal.