Inter Miami’s MLS rivals issue cheeky Lionel Messi dig in classy ‘leaked’ message to fans
The Chicago Fire are protecting the relationship with their fanbase by offering partial refunds to ticket holders who don’t get to see Lionel Messi if he does not play in their matchup Wednesday
The Chicago Fire released a statement regarding hosting Inter Miami at Soldier Field saying they will issue discounts to ticket holders should superstar Lionel Messi not play in the upcoming MLS meeting.
With the Fire being unsure of Messi’s availability for their match, the team understood that there was never a guarantee the Argentine star would play on any given night due to several factors, notably fatigue. The team website updated its plans in case Messi does not appear on the pitch for their upcoming match on Wednesday.
“To show our appreciation, the Chicago Fire will be offering a $250 account credit toward new memberships for the 2024 season. Or a $50 account credit for anyone unable to use the new member credit,” wrote the club.
“To all single-game ticket buyers who attend our match vs. Inter Miami regardless of which players are able to make an appearance on the pitch. With a variety of in-match activations, including a surprise halftime performance, Wednesday is going to be a memorable night.”
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“We’re excited to host Inter Miami; this match has major playoff implications for both clubs and with over 61,000 tickets distributed, we’re expecting a thrilling Eastern Conference match-up at Soldier Field.” The team said they would share additional details with ticket purchasers for the game later in the week on how to redeem their credits.
During the 36th minute of Inter Miami’s match against Toronto FC, Messi was seen walking off the pitch with a limp and an apparent leg injury. The 36-year-old also missed Inter’s match against Atlanta United and had been held out of Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Bolivia due to fatigue.
Chicago noted a number of fans may be going to Soldier Field for the first time to see a football match and may be disappointed if they did not get to see Messi play. Nonetheless, they are excited to welcome them to the Fire Family and allow them to become long-term fans by creating a fantastic, fan-focused atmosphere.
Messi had been on the practice field with Inter Miami on Tuesday, but head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino declined to provide any timetable regarding his return. Messi has missed four of Inter Miami’s last five matches but appeared Monday night at the team’s stadium for a promotional event. He was not made available for comment to media outlets attending the event, and no update on his injury was provided.
At the beginning of the week, Inter Miami was ranked 13th in the Eastern Conference and trailed the final playoff spot by four points with a number of teams in their way. Although a loss on Wednesday would not eliminate Miami from the playoffs, it would significantly damage the team’s chances of making it to the postseason.
After their game in Chicago, Inter Miami has three more MLS matches left, including a home game against Cincinnati scheduled for Saturday, a rescheduled match at home against Charlotte on Oct. 18, and the season finale in Charlotte on Oct. 21.
