Messi’s presence continues to create a fever in MLS. This time, Chicago Fire is the team that benefits from the “legendary number 10” effect. In a goalless draw with Inter Miami, the home team at Soldier Field set a new record for the number of spectators attending the stadium.

According to statistics from the MLS organizing committee, 62,358 fans attended Soldier Field to watch the match between Chicago Fire and Inter Miami – the highest number in the club’s history. This is the second time in the last 3 seasons that Chicago Fire has broken the home record when welcoming Messi and his teammates.

However, this figure falls far short of the record for the highest attendance in MLS history. On July 4, 2023, the Los Angeles derby between LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC set the record for the largest attendance ever with 82,110 fans filling the Rose Bowl.

Back at Soldier Field, Messi still showed his class and cunning every time he got the ball near the penalty area. But basically, his influence was quite weak. Leo had no luck scoring against Chicago Fire with 2 free kicks hitting the crossbar, scoring 6/10 points from Goal .

Messi helps Chicago Fire set a home attendance record.

The home team kept things tight. Despite Messi in the team, Inter Miami couldn’t make a difference from open play. The visitors’ most dangerous chances came from set pieces. Notably, Messi almost scored a masterpiece when he hit the woodwork twice from direct free kicks.

Luis Suarez seemed to have scored the decisive goal in the final minute of the match, but the former Barca striker was caught offside. Meanwhile, the home side Chicago Fire also played with great effort, with the trio of Hugo Cuypers, Jonathan Bamba and Philip Zinckernagel constantly disturbing the Miami defense.

However, on a day when all the goalkeepers played brilliantly, goals were a luxury. Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made 7 classy saves, helping to keep a point for the visitors. On the other side of the field, Chris Brady was not far behind with many excellent reflexes.

This is the second consecutive match that Inter Miami has failed to win (before that they drew 1-1 with Toronto FC) in MLS, thereby only gaining 2 points in the last 2 rounds. The result caused them to lose their advantage in the Supporters’ Shield race, falling behind Vancouver with 4 points less.