Messi helps create Fire history

Lionel Messi’s enduring magnetism in the United States was on full display Sunday night as Inter Miami’s 0-0 draw with the Chicago Fire delivered a historic milestone for the home side – the highest attendance in club history.

Messi aiding attendance MLS records

While the game itself ended without goals, Soldier Field was anything but quiet. A crowd of 62,358 fans packed the stadium, eager to witness Messi’s first-ever appearance at the venue since joining the South Florida club in mid-2023. His two previous chances to play there were derailed by injury, including a lingering ankle problem, making this long-awaited debut all the more special for local supporters.

Chicago Fire can now boast a new club record thanks in large part to the Argentine superstar, who continues to reshape what’s possible in Major League Soccer. For many fans in attendance, just seeing Messi in action – even without a goal – was worth the price of admission.

MLS acknowledged the moment on its official website, noting, “Since his arrival in MLS in the summer of 2023, the Rosario native and the rest of the ‘Fantastic Four’ at Inter Miami have grown accustomed to the so-called ‘Messi Effect’, which brings crowds to North America’s largest stadiums.”

That phenomenon has already been seen at NFL venues such as Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta – and now, in Chicago as well.

Messi is going for another mega-stadium in the MLS

The Messi Effect doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Inter Miami’s next test will be a marquee matchup against Columbus Crew, who currently sit atop the Eastern Conference following a 2-1 win at St. Louis City. Miami, aiming to reclaim first place, will be playing this upcoming clash at FirstEnergy Stadium – the home of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.

With a listed capacity of 67,431, the stadium is expected to once again draw a massive crowd for what promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of MLS Week 9. The matchup underscores not only Messi’s drawing power but the league’s continued expansion into major sports venues across the country.

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