Ya, the issue is that Whitecaps raised prices significantly for the game knowing full well people would pay to see Messi. When you charge a boatload of money for the chance to see a player you run the risk of a PR disaster when that player doesn't show. But people are also suckers and should have known there was a good chance that Messi skipped town.
Vancouver FC is attempting to capitalize on Messi missing out and I'm curious to see if they get a bump in attendance.
https://twitter.com/user/status/1793837181850779938