MLS
Which celebrities were at LA Galaxy - Inter Miami?
Lionel Messi returned to Los Angeles on Sunday and the likes of Novak Djokovic, Halle Berry and Edward Norton caught him in action against LA Galaxy.
Inter Miami travelled to the West Coast to take on LA Galaxy in the second game of their 2024 campaign. The Herons got the season off to a winning start against Real Salt Lake and they headed to Los Angeles full of confidence.
Lionel Messi appears to have shaken off his preseason injury niggles and played a key role in the win over RSL. With Luis Suárez and Julian Gressel added to the team Miami are many experts’ favourites to lift MLS Cup this year. And, of course, when Messi and Miami are in town, everyone wants to see the show.
Perhaps the biggest draw in Los Angles on Sunday was David Beckham, the Miami co-owner who starred for the Galaxy as a player. MLS Commissioner Don Garber was also in attendance for the game. But this being Los Angeles, there was more than a sprinkling of stardust on Sunday evening. Halle Berry, Anderson Paak and Edward Norton were all spotted in the stands at Dignity Health Sports Park.
From the world of sport USWNT stars Tobin Heath and Cristen Press were both in the crowd. So too was tennis legend Novak Djokovic and WNBA icon Diana Taurasi.
And, of course, there was a big-name performer enlisted to provide the halftime show. Swedish DJ-producer Alesso took to the stage at Dignity Health Sports Park to entertain supporters at the break.
Lionel Messi stars again in Los Angeles
Messi was recently named the No. 1 most popular athlete in the United States, becoming the first soccer player to earn that honour. The 36-year-old is the star attraction in a growing league and he has packed out stadiums across the country since making his debut.
One of the early examples of ‘Messi-mania’ came in September 2023, when the Herons travelled to face LAFC. BMO Stadium is frequented by Hollywood stars and friends of co-owner Will Ferrell, but the Messi game took things to a completely different level.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Selena Gomez, LeBron James and Magic Johnson were all in attendance for the game. As was Prince Harry, who is fifth in line for the British throne.
Inter Miami ran out 3-1 winners against LAFC, with Lionel Messi claiming two assists for the team. Messi had just led the Herons to the Leagues Cup and there was real excitement that they could go deep in the playoffs.
This year’s trip to Los Angeles comes at a different point in Miami’s cycle. Their superstar signings have all had a full preseason to prepare and look set to challenge at the top of the Eastern Conference. Messi, however, continues to draw crowds exactly as he did in those giddy early weeks in Miami.