As Gillette Stadium braces itself for an influx of soccer fans, soccer icon Lionel Messi is set to lace up his boots for a clash against the New England Revolution tonight. Reports have confirmed that Inter Miami CF, bolstered by Messi's on-field prowess, is ready to go head to head with the local club, potentially drawing in a record number of spectators for an MLS game in Foxborough.
Lionel Messi, who has scored 12 goals this season, is expected to draw significant attention to tonight’s match. His appearances have consistently attracted large crowds across the league. “When you can get 60,000 people into Gillette for a Rev game you're doing something right. This is what Messi does no matter where and who he is playing against,” said MLS Season Pass analyst Taylor Twellman, according to a statement obtained by WCVB.
In an effort to accommodate the expected surge of spectators, event logistics have been meticulously planned. Fan zones open at 3:30 p.m., gates at 5:30 p.m., and the warm-ups are slated to begin roughly at 6:40 p.m. The MBTA is also stepping up its game by offering special event train services from South Station to Foxboro Station starting at 5:25 p.m. As detailed by Boston 25 News, attendees can snag round-trip tickets via the mTicket app for a flat rate of $20.
The match also marks a reunion, as Revolution forward Leo Campana will face his former team, Inter Miami CF, for the first time since his transfer last December. Inter Miami enters the game following a 4-1 win over CF Montreal, with Lionel Messi recording two goals and an assist. The New England Revolution holds a 6-5-2 record in conference play and is 3-6 in games decided by one goal. Inter Miami currently has an 8-1-4 record against Eastern Conference opponents.
Tonight’s match at Gillette Stadium is expected to draw a large crowd, highlighting the strong public interest in Lionel Messi’s appearances in Major League Soccer. The event adds to Messi’s growing influence on the sport’s popularity in the United States.
