Chicago Fire set to offer credits to fans should Messi not play

Inter Miami are the visitors to the ‘Windy City’ with the league game moved to the bigger capacity Soldier Field Stadium.

Paul Reidypaulreidy67Update: Oct 3rd, 2023 17:50 EDT

ALEX MENENDEZAFP

Chicago Fire will host Inter Miami on Wednesday in a MLS regular season match with the result set to have huge implications in the aspirations of both teams to stay alive in the fight for a playoff spot.

Chicago Fire FC's match against Inter Miami is hotter than ever with a SOLD OUT crowd!& guess what? We've got a surprise halftime performance from an award-winning artist! Stay tuned, it's gonna be epic! 🔥⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ttNoStuXE8

— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) October 3, 2023

Such was the interest in the game in Chicago, that the Fire sold out all the 61,000 tickets that Soldier Field would hold as Messi-mania sweeps across the nation with all Inter Miami road games sellouts as fans are anxious to catch a glimpse of the mercurial Argentine at close quarters.

Fascinating situation unfolding for the @ChicagoFire, with doubt over whether Messi will play tomorrow. As of two weeks ago, this game was *already* the highest-selling MLS game in history from a ticket revenue perspective… Team now offering credits.https://t.co/7tIZJxodAY

— Eben Novy-Williams (@novy_williams) October 3, 2023

Doubts surrounding Messi’s fitness still persist and as things stand, everything points to the former Barcelona and PSG man missing out on the trip to the Windy City.

Messi’s absence could have a direct impact on fans showing up at Soldier Field on Tuesday evening and the Chicago Fire announced in a statement that they will reward their fans for this match regardless of whether Lionel Messi travels or plays with Inter Miami or not.

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Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami JOE RAEDLEAFP

In the communique, the Fire explained that season ticket holders will receive a $250 credit towards season tickets for the upcoming 2024 campaign and in addition, fans who only purchased tickets for this game against Inter Miami will get a $50 credit to attend another home game this season.

🚨 Official Statement 🚨 Chicago Fire FC issues an official statement regarding upcoming clash against Inter Miami CF.

— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) October 3, 2023

Full Chicago Fire statement

Chicago Fire FC today made the following statement regarding their upcoming match on October 4 versus Inter Miami CF at Soldier Field:

“The Chicago Fire are excited to host Inter Miami CF at Soldier Field this week. While we don’t yet know the official status of Lionel Messi’s availability for our match tomorrow, as there’s never a guarantee that an athlete will play on any given night due to several factors, we understand that many of our fans may be disappointed if they don’t get the chance to see him play. We realize that there will be many in attendance who are coming to a Chicago Fire match at Soldier Field for the first time, and we’re excited to welcome them to the Fire Family and give them an opportunity to become long-term fans by creating a wonderful, fan-focused atmosphere.