The ‘challenging’ situation NYCFC supporters face when Lionel Messi visits.

NYCFC Fans Gear Up for Messi’s Visit

This Sunday, when fans of New York City FC gather at Yankee Stadium, they’ll walk down River Avenue, cheering for their team, as they typically do. But is there an expectation for something different—something special—because of Lionel Messi’s visit? Well, not quite.

In fact, Andrew Tucker, president of the Third Rail Supporters Group, mentioned to the Post that the occasion is not seen as “something special” for them.

Interestingly, the annual match against Inter Miami usually draws a large crowd. Many spectators hope to catch a glimpse of the international star from Argentina, although it’s worth noting that local support doesn’t always match the attendance. Tucker expressed his frustration, stating, “This is something that all MLS fans have to deal with, and it’s extremely frustrating. While some New Yorkers love soccer, many seem interested only when Messi plays.” He highlighted a tifo created for 2024, saying, “Don’t be plastic, support your local club,” which resonated well within the league. He believes many MLS supporters will be breathing a sigh of relief when the excitement surrounding Messi dies down.

This sentiment doesn’t seem to be isolated. Since Messi arrived in the U.S., fans nationwide have experienced similar responses—particularly concerning ticket prices and the overwhelming atmosphere shifting towards a Miami-themed vibe, often at the expense of home field advantage.

Nevertheless, NYCFC supporters have managed to make the environment a bit less welcoming for Messi, as evidenced by a viral incident from two years ago where fans jeered and chased the Inter Miami team bus.

Brad Sims, the CEO of NYCFC, shared his thoughts, explaining that many attendees might not necessarily identify as Inter Miami fans; they simply want to witness what many consider the greatest player in history. He emphasized the importance of letting these visitors know about NYCFC as their local team. Encouragingly, season ticket holders have been requesting more tickets for this match compared to previous years, and to further attract local fans, the club has made tickets more affordable. Sims was quick to point out that there are still some tickets available.

This Sunday marks the first encounter between NYCFC and Inter Miami since New York City FC was eliminated from the playoffs last November. Kevin O’Toole noted that his players are acutely aware of this undercurrent as they approach the game. “It’s about being emotionally even and calm,” he said, acknowledging the additional motivation to avenge last year’s playoff loss.

NYCFC has lost their last two matches to Inter Miami, with a pattern where New York started strong but allowed Miami to capitalize in the second half.

Janssen, embodying the lessons learned, spoke about the importance of vigilance: “For a team with this quality, even a brief lapse can lead to significant consequences. Just look at the goal they scored at Citi Field; that momentary mistake cost us dearly, and it’s crucial we stay alert.”