Soldier Field Chicago witnessed history unfold last night as a tidal wave of football fans surged through its gates to witness the Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire game, spearheaded by the iconic Lionel Messi, clash with the home side, Chicago Fire FC. The atmosphere was electric, a palpable buzz of anticipation hanging in the air long before the first whistle. By the time the match kicked off, the official attendance figures confirmed what many had suspected: a new MLS attendance record had been set.
How Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire Shattered the MLS Attendance Record
The final count soared to a staggering 62,124, eclipsing the previous league high and firmly etching this encounter into the annals of North American football. The sheer magnetism of Lionel Messi, even as speculation swirled regarding his fitness in the lead-up to the game, proved an undeniable draw. Fans from all corners of the continent flocked to Soldier Field Chicago, eager for a glimpse of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in action. Scalpers reportedly did a roaring trade, with ticket prices skyrocketing as the match drew closer.
The build-up to the game had been intense. For weeks, the prospect of Messi gracing the hallowed turf of Soldier Field had dominated local and national sports news. While Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino remained coy about Messi’s involvement until the eleventh hour, the anticipation only intensified.
The Soldier Field Seating capacity, usually a talking point for the NFL’s Chicago Bears faithful, became the central focus for football enthusiasts. Questions abounded: Would Messi start? Would he be fit enough to even feature? The uncertainty did little to dampen the enthusiasm, as evidenced by the unprecedented ticket sales.
Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire Match Result
Despite the record-breaking crowd of 62,358 at Soldier Field Chicago, the highly anticipated clash between Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami ended in a scoreless draw. While the stands buzzed with excitement, the match itself offered a tense but ultimately goalless affair.
The game began with palpable energy, fueled by the presence of Lionel Messi. Inter Miami, aiming to extend their unbeaten run, started with a strong attacking intent, featuring Messi, Luis Suárez, and Federico Redondo in their forward line. However, the Chicago Fire defense, well-organized and determined, managed to keep the Miami attack at bay.
The first half was a physical battle, with five yellow cards distributed between both teams, highlighting the intensity of the midfield duels. Chances were few and far between in the opening 45 minutes, with both goalkeepers relatively untroubled.
The second half saw a slight increase in attacking impetus from both sides. In the 63rd minute, Inter Miami earned a free kick just outside the Chicago box, presenting Messi with a golden opportunity. His well-struck shot, however, was expertly tipped over the bar by Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady.
Messi continued to pose a threat, and in the 86th minute, he came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock, unleashing a shot that rattled the frame of the goal. Despite Inter Miami’s late pressure, the Chicago Fire stood firm.
The home side also had their opportunities. Late in the game, a swift attacking move saw Jonathan Bamba create a one-on-one chance with Inter Miami goalkeeper Óscar Ustari, but the final shot was saved, ensuring the stalemate.
Soldier Fire Chicago Record: The Messi Effect and its Broader Implications
The record-breaking attendance at Soldier Field Chicago underscores the profound impact Lionel Messi has had on Major League Soccer since his arrival. The “Messi effect” is not just a marketing buzzword; it’s a tangible phenomenon reshaping the landscape of football in North America. This single game has demonstrated the immense potential for growth and mainstream appeal that MLS now possesses with a global superstar in its ranks.
For Chicago Fire, despite the loss on the pitch, the financial and promotional benefits of hosting Inter Miami with Messi are undeniable. The record attendance will provide a significant boost to the club’s coffers and has undoubtedly raised their profile on a national and even international level. However, the bittersweet element for the home fans lies in the fact that such a monumental turnout was largely driven by the allure of the opposition’s star player rather than their own team’s performance or standing.
62,358 at Soldier Field 👏
Highest attendance in @ChicagoFire history. pic.twitter.com/ttuCnOuWMN
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 13, 2025
Soldier Field Seating Capacity
Soldier Field, a historic venue on the shores of Lake Michigan, has undergone several transformations throughout its long history, impacting its exact seating capacity. Originally opened in 1924, its capacity was around 74,000.
Over the decades, various renovations and reconfigurations have altered this figure. Notably, a significant reconstruction project completed in 2003 dramatically changed the stadium’s interior while preserving its iconic neoclassical facade. This renovation brought the standard Soldier Field seating capacity for football games, including Chicago Fire matches, to approximately 61,500.
While the stadium has hosted events with significantly larger crowds in its earlier years due to the availability of temporary seating, the current permanent seating configuration for sporting events hovers around this figure. Therefore, for the Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire match, the Soldier Field seating capacity was approximately 61,500, although the actual attendance of 62,358 exceeded this due to factors like standing-room tickets or slight variations in configuration for specific events.
Fans will welcome an era coming to an end.
The record attendance, while a positive headline for the league, also subtly underscores a challenge. While fans are clearly drawn to star power, the long-term health and sustainability of MLS depend on cultivating a deep-rooted fan base for all its clubs, not just those featuring global icons. Chicago Fire will need to analyze how to convert the thousands who came to see Messi into regular attendees at their own matches.
Looking ahead, the reverberations of this record-breaking night at Soldier Field Chicago will continue to be felt. It serves as a powerful testament to the drawing power of Lionel Messi and the growing appeal of MLS. The league will undoubtedly look to capitalize on this momentum, hoping to attract more world-class talent and further expand its reach.
For Chicago Fire, the challenge now is to build on this moment and ensure that the roar of the crowd at Soldier Field Chicago becomes a regular occurrence, regardless of the opposition. The question remains: Can they harness the “Messi effect” to ignite a sustained passion for their own club within the vibrant sporting landscape of Chicago? Only time will tell.
