Messi Mania in San Jose: Thousands Spent on Tickets, Artists Create Masterpieces

Messi Mania Grips San Jose: Fans Shell Out Thousands for Tickets, Artist Creates Unique Tribute San Jose, CA – The arrival of global soccer superstar Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF team in San Jose has sent the city into a frenzy. The anticipation for their match against the San Jose Earthquakes is palpable, evident in the bustling tailgate parking lot outside PayPal Park. Fans decked out in Messi jerseys and team colors created a vibrant atmosphere. "It did not take long for this parking lot to fill up," reported Robert Handa of NBC Bay Area, broadcasting live from the event. "Amidst all the barbecue pits and makeshift bars, you can see there are lots of Messi jerseys, memorabilia, posters, banners, all over the place." The excitement is not limited to those with tickets. Fans have been staking out the Hotel Valencia, hoping to catch a glimpse of Messi. One fan, Lauri Avila, expressed her enthusiasm, calling Messi "the GOAT of all time." Another fan, Lesar Garcia, who has been waiting since Sunday, simply stated, "He's the best. I don't have words to explain it." The high demand for tickets is clear; one fan reported spending "a few hundred bucks for a cheap seat." Adding to the spectacle, a young artist has been a daily presence outside the hotel, showcasing his painting of Messi playing chess with Cristiano Ronaldo, a testament to the global reach of the soccer legend's appeal. The game itself promises to be a memorable event, but the pre-game excitement and the passion of the fans are already making this a truly special occasion.