The upcoming visit of Lionel Messi to Gillette Stadium in April has already made waves in the sports world, with over 60,000 tickets sold for the much-anticipated matchup between the New England Revolution and Inter Miami. This surge in ticket sales is expected to shatter the Revolution’s long-standing single-game attendance record, set back in 2002 during the MLS Cup against the LA Galaxy. With only 5,000 tickets remaining for the clash, it is clear that fans are eager to witness Messi’s presence on the field.
The Revolution’s previous regular-season attendance record dates back to 1997 when they faced off against the Tampa Bay Mutiny in a doubleheader with a World Cup Qualifying match between Mexico and the United States. Since then, Gillette Stadium has become a hub for sporting events, hosting not only MLS matches but also being the home of the six-time Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots. The stadium’s capacity has seen various attendance milestones over the years, with the record for a regular-season Revolution match standing at 42,947 in 2015.
Despite the overwhelming demand for tickets to see Messi in action, there remains uncertainty surrounding the superstar’s availability for the upcoming match. Messi has recently been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, causing him to miss Inter Miami’s last two MLS games as well as Argentina’s friendlies in the U.S. Miami manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino has expressed that Messi’s fitness is being evaluated on a week-to-week basis, with the hope of having him ready for the Champions Cup quarterfinals in April.
In a similar situation last season, the Chicago Fire offered ticketed fans incentives when Messi was expected to miss a game due to injury. The Fire provided a $250 account credit for new memberships for the 2024 season or a $50 account credit for those unable to use the new member credit, encouraging fans to still attend the game at Soldier Field. This strategy showcases the dedication of teams to engage with fans and ensure a memorable experience, even in the absence of a star player.
Messi’s visit to Gillette Stadium is poised to make a significant impact on the New England Revolution, both in terms of attendance records and fan engagement. While the uncertainty surrounding Messi’s availability adds a layer of suspense to the event, the anticipation and excitement among fans are palpable. As the date of the matchup approaches, all eyes will be on Messi and the Revolution as they aim to create a memorable and historic event for all involved.