Lionel Messi forces MLS side to make huge stadium change

Lionel Messi is responsible for one of Inter Miami's rivals making a huge stadium change for their meeting next season.

Messi's impact in the MLS has been nothing short of incredible, with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner bringing a whole new set of eyes on the league.

His arrival led to massive demand increases in terms of shirt sales, subscriptions to the MLS Season Pass and tickets to see the Argentine going for ridiculous money.

Messi played 14 times, scoring 11 goals and helping the Herons to win their first ever trophy.

Messi-mania is very much still going strong and Sporting Kansas City have made quite the measure to cater for the appetite to see the 36-year-old.

The two-time MLS Cup winners typically play their home games at Children's Mercy Park, which holds 18,000 fans.

Image: Getty

However, they've decided that Messi is too big for a ground of that size and they've decided to take the leap of moving the game to the Arrowhead Stadium, where NFL side Kansas City Chiefs play their home games.

The Missouri stadium has a 76,000 capacity and recently hosted a Taylor Swift concert.

Image: Getty

Tickets for the April 13 clash will therefore be much easier to obtain following Monday's decision.

Sporting Kansas City President and CEO Jake Reid said: "This match has generated an unprecedented amount of interest since Major League Soccer released our schedule less than three weeks ago.

"We believe this will be the biggest event in Kansas City this spring and we are proud to partner with Arrowhead Events to provide an incredible experience for our fans and our team.

"The opportunity to host this match, which is set to be Lionel Messi’s first MLS match in the Midwest, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is especially exciting as our region prepares to host Copa America matches this summer and FIFA World Cup matches in 2026."

Image: Getty

Messi only played six times in the MLS last term and is already slated to miss seven games next season due to international commitments with Argentina.

He could end up missing games against Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, Nashville, Charlotte, and FC Cincinnati between June 15 and July 6 during the Copa America, while there are also expected to be friendly games in March.

Topics: Lionel Messi, MLS, Inter Miami, Argentina

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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