Messi rivals attempt to cash in on Inter Miami fixture after MLS announcement
Lionel Messi's star power Stateside was laid bare once again as Sporting KC made special preparations for their home clash with Inter Miami next season by arranging to play the game at Arrowhead Stadium.
Stars including Taylor Swift have descended on the Kansas City Chiefs' home stadium in recent months but the Missouri venue is about to experience 'Messi Mania' for the first time on April 13. Sporting KC usually play at the 18,000-seater Children's Mercy Park but the MLS outfit have moved to make allowances for the overwhelming demand to see the Argentine hero in action.
For fans used to seeing NFL superstars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce work their magic at Arrowhead, the chance to see sporting icon in action represents a rare opportunity. Tickets will certainly be easier to come by as well, with the Chiefs' world-famous stadium boasting a 76,000 capacity.
The last time an MLS team representing Miami played at Arrowhead was back in 2001, when the Fusion faced off against the Kansas City Wizards. In contrast to the crowds expected to turn out to welcome Inter Miami in Spring, just 5,803 spectators were present as the home team won 3-0.
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The decision to switch venues for the clash against the Herons comes after the prospect of seeing Messi in the flesh led to capacity crowds at several major arenas last term. Fans packed out Charlotte FC's Bank of America Stadium, as well as Atlanta United's Mercedes-Benz Stadium to welcome the legendary winger.
Sporting Kansas City President and CEO Jake Reid heralded the stadium change, saying: "This match has generated an unprecedented amount of interest since Major League Soccer released our schedule less than three weeks ago. We believe this will be the biggest event in Kansas City this spring and we are proud to partner with Arrowhead Events to provide an incredible experience for our fans and our team.
"The opportunity to host this match, which is set to be Lionel Messi’s first MLS match in the Midwest, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is especially exciting as our region prepares to host Copa America matches this summer and FIFA World Cup matches in 2026."
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 25: A general overall view as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders during an NFL football game on December 25, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Raiders defeated the Chiefs 20-14. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)As Reid points out, the multi-purpose Arrowhead Stadium will host games at major soccer tournaments in the coming months and years. The historic arena has been used as a soccer venue for some time, with over 200 games having been staged there - hosting Manchester United and the US national teams previously.
Kansas City Chiefs and Arrowhead Events President Mark Donovan also welcomed the news, as world-famous arena's operators look forward to playing host to the eight-time Ballon d'Or holder. He said: "The Arrowhead Events team is excited to open up GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to host our friends from Sporting KC for their match against Inter Miami CF this spring.
"The venue remains one of the top destinations and experiences for fans of all sports. The interest and demand for this match is extremely high, and we know that both clubs, their supporters, and viewers will enjoy experiencing this unique soccer match played at the home of the Chiefs."
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