Ahead of Messi Debut: The crazy increase in money for Ligue 1 TV rights and tickets

Lionel Messi is set to make his debut for Paris Saint-Germain this Friday against Reims in the Ligue 1. The Argentine made a sensational move to PSG this summer after spending 18 years in the La Liga with FC Barcelona. He is now set to step onto the pitch in the colours of PSG for the first time this weekend. 

Ahead of the meeting with Reims, there has been a massive increase in the level of interest in the Ligue 1. An interesting development is the recent acquisition of Ligue 1 T.V. rights by a company owned by Gerard Pique, named Kosmos Holdings. The company has acquired the rights to broadcast Ligue 1 matches in Spain. This deal has been signed just before Messi makes his debut on Friday. 

Additionally, ticket demand and ticket prices for the match against Reims has skyrocketed. The game will be held at the home ground of Reims and the ticket master at the club has reported that thousands have requested tickets from all over the world. The ticket office manager at Reims, Alexandre Jeannin confirmed that there have been online ticket purchases from China, Egypt, Chile, India, South Korea and Thailand amongst other countries. 

This hike is expected due to the many fans that Lionel Messi has from all over the world. PSG Sporting Director, Leonardo, indeed revealed that chairmen of other Ligue 1 clubs have called him to thank him for bringing Lionel Messi to the French league. With his arrival, there is an assurance of increased interest in the Ligue 1.