The Chicago Fire are taking advantage of Lionel Messi’s uncertain situation with an eye-catching deal to entice fans to attend the game at Soldier Field on August 31.
The Fire have offered their fans what they call a “Fans First Trust Guarantee”, emphasising that they will still fill the 61,500-seat stadium if Messi, who is nursing an ankle injury, is unable to play.
One potential benefit of the deal is that fans could purchase two or more season tickets for 2025 at a discount of up to $250 if Messi is unable to leave Inter Miami.
“For tickets purchased between now and Aug. 31, if Messi is unable to attend the game at Soldier Field, the Fire’s Fan First Credit Guarantee will provide all single-match purchasers with a $250 discount on two or more 2025 Chicago Fire Season Ticket Memberships or a $100 discount on two or more single-match tickets to the 2025 home game vs. Inter Miami.” The club said in a statement..
Those who have already purchased tickets will receive free admission to the team’s fan appreciation event later this year.
The star’s fate remains uncertain after he suffered a horrific ankle injury in the 2024 Copa America final.
In the 64th minute of Argentina’s 1-0 win over Colombia, Messi fell to the ground while chasing ball carrier Luis Diaz.
The 37-year-old limped off the pitch, leaving himself and the fans in tears.
The injury will force Messi to miss at least two games.
Tuesday, Inter Miami A statement was issued He did not comment on Messi’s condition but gave no details on when he might return to the pitch.
“The captain’s availability will depend on regular evaluations and the progress of his recovery,” the team said.
The day after the message from the front office, Messi was seen on the bench during Miami’s 3-1 win over Toronto.
Some Fire fans are feeling a sense of deja vu.
Last year, the club sold a team-record 61,000 tickets for a home game against Miami. The Guardian reported.
However, because Messi did not play, the Fire offered season ticket holders a $250 credit for next season and offered one-game spectators a $50 credit instead.
Other MLS teams have followed suit.
In May, the Vancouver Whitecaps halved concessions at their stadium to boost morale after Messi, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez did not show up for a road trip.
If the schedule for these two matches lines up exactly with Messi’s availability, fans could see him return to the pitch in two League Cup matches on July 27 and August 3.
