According to reports, Lionel Messi’s popularity in America continues to soar. Last night, Chicago Fire faced Inter Miami in Week 8 of the 2025 MLS season. Despite the match ending in a goalless draw, the Chicago team can now celebrate a new attendance record at Soldier Field.
This was the first time Messi played at Soldier Field since joining Inter Miami in the second half of 2023. Fans had the opportunity to watch a player many consider the greatest footballer of all time.

The legendary No. 10 had previously missed two opportunities to play at this stadium due to physical issues and an ankle injury. The most exciting aspect of Sunday’s match at Soldier Field was that Messi’s fans, football enthusiasts, and supporters of both MLS teams set a historic attendance record for Chicago Fire. With 62,358 spectators in attendance, the team achieved its highest-ever attendance, and undoubtedly, the Argentine star played a significant role in this achievement.

MLS writes on its website: “Since his arrival in MLS in the summer of 2023, the Rosario native and other members of Inter Miami’s ‘Fab Four’ have grown accustomed to Messi’s impact—a phenomenon that draws massive crowds to major stadiums across North America.”

This becomes even more interesting when considering that Messi has previously played in NFL stadiums like Arrowhead Stadium, Bank of America Stadium, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Another intriguing point is that the next match between Columbus and Inter Miami will take place at FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns. With a capacity of 67,431, another historic attendance record is expected for this match.