The Kansas City Chiefs‘ home crowd witnessed an incredible sight. Lionel Messi, the soccer superstar, brought a record crowd to Arrowhead Stadium. On a Saturday night in April, fans filled every seat, letting the fever of soccer take over. Inter Miami, led by Messi, faced off against Sporting Kansas City. This MLS matchup was anything but ordinary. It showcased the immense appeal of “La Pulga,” a true global icon, encompassed with Patrick Mahomes.
Argentine soccer star Messi amazed spectators by delivering a masterclass performance that left the 72,610 members in live attendance in utter awe. Messi scored an incredible goal, curling the ball into the net with his left foot. But more than his goal, Messi became the star to make the winning assist happen. With a perfect pass, he allowed Luis Suarez to score the astonishing goal.
Messi’s ability to captivate the crowd has become a hallmark of his illustrious career. But this was no ordinary soccer crowd – this was Chiefs’ country. The presence of Super Bowl champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is a co-owner of Sporting KC, only added to the star-studded affair. The audience was by far the largest number present in a stadium since Messi’s entry into the Inter Miami side.
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Smart move by Kansas City to move last night’s match against Lionel Messi to Arrowhead.
Messi scored a goal and they had over 72,000 people show up.
That’s (by far) the largest soccer crowd in state history, and Messi’s largest MLS crowd since his arrival last year. pic.twitter.com/M0qEsOdsqA
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) April 14, 2024
“The reality is it was essential to win tonight’s game. Also, to recover a little bit that feeling that the team can win,” said Inter Miami coach Tata Martino to reporters, alluding to the pressure of performing in front of such a massive audience. The match was moved from Sporting’s usual home at Children’s Mercy Park to the cavernous confines of the Chiefs’ stadium – a move that paid off handsomely.
Patrick Mahomes and Messi’s blockbuster bromance steals the spotlight
When Lionel Messi stepped onto the hallowed turf of Arrowhead Stadium, all eyes were on the Argentine magician and his Inter Miami squad. But the soccer superstar wasn’t the only great in attendance at the stadium. Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, a co-owner of Sporting KC, was there to give Messi a warm welcome. The two titans of their respective sports shared an embrace before kickoff, a “Jerry Maguire” moment that had the crowd buzzing with excitement.
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Lionel Messi doing Messi things at Arrowhead Stadium 🎯
🎥 @MLS pic.twitter.com/l9JgP0Plcu
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 14, 2024
Mahomes, fresh off hoisting his third Lombardi Trophy, was eager to soak in the Messi experience alongside his Sporting KC crew. As the capacity crowd roared with every Messi touch, the Chiefs QB couldn’t hide his infectious grin, clearly mesmerized by the Argentine maestro’s sublime skills.
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Alongside Mahomes, coach Andy Reid, the mastermind of Kansas City’s reign, savored the spectacle. “This was incredible, great environment, fans were tremendous,” also beamed Sporting KC’s coach Peter Vermes to reporters, alluding to the electric atmosphere created by fans packed into the stadium.
Messi keeps winning over American soccer fans, and players too. His charm grows huge here with his presence for the young stars showing that U.S. soccer’s tomorrow shines super bright with the right examples in their path.