Messi Mania Hits Minnesota: Soccer Legend Draws Huge Crowd

Even if you don't follow professional soccer, there are likely a few names you’ve heard, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and what many consider the best player in the world right now, Lionel Messi.

Over the weekend, crowds lined up in Minnesota to witness Messi’s first-ever game in the state.

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Messi Mania Hits Minnesota

Minnesota’s professional soccer team, Minnesota United, hosted Inter Miami at Allianz Field in St. Paul on Saturday. Fans showed up hours before kickoff, hoping to catch a glimpse of the global icon.

Messi, a World Cup Champion and the all-time leading goalscorer for Argentina’s national team, also plays forward for Inter Miami. His presence alone nearly packed the stadium to capacity.

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19,710 fans showed up to Allianz Field, but surprisingly, that wasn’t a record. The highest attendance came in July 2023 when 19,954 fans turned out for a game against LAFC.

Minnesota Celebs Join the Hype

It wasn’t just soccer fans in the stands, Minnesota sports royalty turned out too. Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson was on the field and received a Minnesota United jersey. Wild stars Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello also made an appearance.

While Messi’s team left with a 4-1 loss to the United, fans still got what they came for: a goal from the man himself. Inter Miami’s lone goal was scored by Messi, making the match a win-win for many in attendance.