Due to an ankle injury that has sidelined Inter Miami’s superstar Lionel Messi, the Chicago Fire are offering an enticing deal to fans interested in seeing the soccer icon in action. The MLS club has come up with a plan to incentivize fans to attend the Fire’s home game against Inter Miami on August 31, regardless of whether Messi is able to play or not.
If Messi remains out of commission by the end of August, Chicago will implement what they are calling the “Fan-First Credit Guarantee.” In a press release, the team explains that this initiative aims to encourage fans to fill Soldier Field and create a sold-out atmosphere, irrespective of Messi’s injury status.
In the scenario where Messi is unable to participate in the match, fans who have purchased tickets will receive one of three benefits: credit towards a season-ticket membership, complimentary tickets to the Fire’s fan appreciation game in October, or single-match tickets to next year’s matchup against Inter Miami. The specific perks offered will be dependent on the date of ticket purchase, as outlined by the team.
Messi sustained a severe ankle injury during the Copa América Final, causing him to miss the conclusion of the match in which Argentina triumphed over Colombia with a 1-0 scoreline. Inter Miami confirmed the injury as a ligament issue in Messi’s right ankle, keeping him out of action for at least the next couple of games. Despite his absence on the field, Messi, who serves as Inter Miami’s captain, was present in the stands during the team’s recent 3-1 victory over Toronto.
This preemptive strategy by Chicago is likely a response to the events of last year, when over 61,000 fans purchased tickets in anticipation of seeing Messi play at Soldier Field, only for the star player to be absent from the starting lineup. Messi missed a significant portion of games last autumn, including the October fixture against Chicago, due to what was described as “muscle fatigue.”
Following Messi’s undisclosed injury status last year, the Fire attempted to compensate fans by offering a $250 account credit towards a 2024 season membership for those who had bought single-game tickets for the match.
Given Messi’s immense popularity and its impact on MLS ticket sales, Chicago is not the only team incorporating a Messi clause into ticket purchases or adjusting their plans in response to his absence.
For instance, in November, the New York Red Bulls’ holiday ticket pack included a clause related to Messi in case the home opener ended up being against Inter Miami. Similarly, in May, after Messi and other Inter Miami stars did not travel for a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Whitecaps offered 50% off stadium concessions to uplift the spirits of attendees.
Inter Miami is scheduled to face Chicago on Saturday in Ft. Lauderdale, marking their first encounter of the season. If Messi follows the projected two-game injury timeline, he may have a chance to return to action during a pair of Leagues Cup matches on July 27 and August 3.