Lionel Messi turns another NFL stadium pink… and breaks another record

With less than 24 hours to go before the game between Washington’s Eagles and Florida’s Herons, only a tiny fraction of tickets remained available to watch the pink-clad side led by Lionel Messi at an unusual venue – the iconic home of the Baltimore Ravens.

By Saturday morning, however, the sell-out was confirmed. The purple fortress proved welcoming for the Fort Lauderdale team, who left Maryland with three points, but it also delivered a moment for the home side. DC United dominated much of the second half, and 72,000 spectators witnessed a relentless back-and-forth across 90 minutes that now sits firmly in Major League Soccer history.

What made the moment even more remarkable is that Messi and company helped draw the largest crowd the Ravens’ stadium has ever hosted. Before the 72,000-plus fans packed into M&T Bank Stadium, the previous high had been 71,224 spectators for a Ravens–Pittsburgh Steelers NFL game in November 2011.

From California to Baltimore

Just three appearances by The Herons in 2026 have already drawn 147,699 spectators across two different stadiums, underscoring the pulling power of the Fort Lauderdale roster. Since 2023, the club has repeatedly rewritten the attendance records that shape the landscape of U.S. domestic soccer.

Two weeks ago, Los Angeles had its own moment of celebration. During the opening round of the 2026 season, fans attending the LAFC–Inter Miami game not only saw the Black & Gold deliver a convincing win over the reigning champions, but also witnessed a record crowd at the Memorial Coliseum on Opening Day.

A total of 75,673 supporters filled the stadium on Feb. 21, forming part of one of the most watched games in MLS history. Only the LA Galaxy–LAFC clash played on July 4, 2023 has drawn a larger audience.

This first Saturday of March brought another milestone. Beckham’s team filled M&T Bank Stadium, drawing 72,026 fans on a day when Messi scored again and came within touching distance of what would be his 900th career goal.

In less than 15 days, The Herons and their captain have delivered six goals while driving record ticket sales in rapid succession, another sign of how a league that continues to attract international stars is expanding its reach across the United States.

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