Messi's Magic Fills Soldier Field, but the Net Stays Empty

You don’t often see a 0-0 draw feel this electric. Yet when Lionel Messi is involved, every minute buzzes with anticipation. Soldier Field hit a new high on April 13, 2025, packing in 62,358 fans—breaking the venue’s own attendance record, which, no surprise, was set the last time Messi arrived in 2023. That’s a crowd bigger than many American football games, all there to see if Messi and Inter Miami could deliver some magic against Chicago Fire.

If you came for goals, you went home empty-handed. But if you came for drama, the place was bursting at the seams. Messi was everywhere, unleashing five shots on the night. Twice, he came heart-stoppingly close: a free kick in the 64th minute that skimmed the crossbar sent fans gasping, and then, late in the 85th, another strike rattled the woodwork, leaving the stadium groaning in unison. It was the kind of tension only Messi brings, every missed chance carrying just as much weight as a goal.

Inter Miami's offense kept prodding, with Luis Suarez sliding the ball into the net in the 86th minute—only for the flag to go up for offside, quickly dousing fresh hopes. Chicago, relentless on the counter, saw their best looks denied by Inter Miami’s new goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari. He put up a wall with seven saves, including a massive stop against Jonathan Bamba late in the match. On the other side, Chicago’s young keeper Chris Brady stepped up for his first clean sheet of the season, shutting down Messi on two shots and keeping his cool under immense pressure.

Inter Miami’s Unbeaten Streak Continues in a Season of Big Crowds

This wasn’t just about the game; it was about the show that MLS attendance has become when Messi is in town. The reigning World Cup champion’s presence has turned regular season matches into headline events. Just look at the numbers: in 2024, Arrowhead Stadium drew over 72,000 for an Inter Miami game, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium filled with 68,455 during the playoffs. Everywhere Messi goes, records seem to follow.

Chicago’s point lifts the Fire to an even 3-2-3 record, their defense finally delivering a shutout after a string of high-scoring games. For Inter Miami, the draw keeps their impressive unbeaten run alive at 4-0-3, tallying up 15 points and chasing the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

Emotions ran high on the pitch, too. Referees handed out five yellow cards in a physical first half, reminding everyone that this was more than a Messi parade. Both coaches dug into their benches: Chicago called on young attackers like Gutiérrez and Oregel, while Miami, fresh off a dramatic quarterfinal in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, rested some tired legs and swapped out big names like Sergio Busquets and Suarez late on.

While neither team found the back of the net, fans witnessed an edge-of-your-seat contest. Messi might have left Soldier Field without a goal, but the crowd—still buzzing about his possible contract extension through 2026 and the future opening of Miami Freedom Park—didn’t seem disappointed. More than ever, Messi continues to turn MLS into must-see TV, win or draw.