Lionel Messi plays 1st MLS match at Soldier Field, breaking Chicago Fire attendance record​on April 14, 2025 at 7:57 am

CHICAGO (WLS) — Superstar Lionel Messi finally played in an MLS match in Chicago this weekend after being injured in previous seasons when the Miami squad visited.

Soccer fans filled the seats Soldier Field for the match between the Chicago Fire and Inter Miami on Sunday. All eyes were on Inter Miami forward and captain Messi, regarded as the best soccer player alive today.

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Chicago fans were excited to welcome him for his first Major League Soccer game at Soldier Field.

The Chicago Fire said the game was their biggest ever, setting a new attendance record at 62,358. The previous record was set in October 2023, when 62,124 fans were in attendance for Inter Miami’s first match in Chicago since signing Messi, but the star did not play.

The game ended in a scoreless tie, but there was still plenty for fans to cheer about. Just about every time Messi touched the ball, a loud roar echoed throughout the stadium.

Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady recorded his first clean sheet of the season, shutting out Miami with three saves.

The City of Chicago is no stranger to superstars, but people of all ages were starstruck Sunday at Soldier Field.

He has such a good reputation,” Chicago resident Michael Valerio said. “A good track record of being an amazing player so getting to see that in person, it’s just something surreal.”

There were kids who want to be like him and parents who watched him grow his entire career. Sunday was a moment dreams became reality for families of so many different cultures, just to be in attendance as Messi took the pitch against the Chicago Fire.

“It’s been so many years, I’ve played soccer so many years, I’ve been a fan of soccer, and just to see him play it’s the best,” a Chicago resident named Eddie said. “He’s the best ever.”

Fans could hardly contain themselves anytime Messi got close to the ball, just waiting for him to do something special.

The international soccer star missed his team’s last two MLS games in Chicago because of injury, but Sunday he played all 90 minutes in front of more than 62,000 people.

The match’s attendance broke the Chicago Fire’s franchise record, and while the game ended 0-0, fans said they got their money’s worth.

“The experience is just breathtaking seeing him in person for the first time,” Chicago resident Predrag Komljenovic said.

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As families left the stadium Sunday evening, many kids are now filled with the hope that they can one day be just like their favorite player.

“I’ve looked up to him since I was a little kid. He’s basically my playstyle,” Chicago resident Victor Garcia said. “I’ve always wanted to see Messi in person, it’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid. It’s really emotional for me.”

It was such a special day for the fans and one that many of them said they will remember forever.

This will be the last time this season fans can see Messi in Chicago. The two teams face off again in August, but that will happen in Florida.