CHICAGO (WLS) — Soccer followers packed Soldier Area Sunday evening as famous person Lionel Messi visited Chicago.
Messi received restricted enjoying time within the pleasant match between Argentina and Ecuador, however followers nonetheless had Messi fever.
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Argentina supervisor Lionel Scaloni prompt Lionel Messi would probably be a substitute in Sunday’s pleasant towards Ecuador at Soldier Area in Chicago to make sure the participant stays wholesome for Copa América.
I grew up enjoying soccer. I look as much as him.
Martin Juarez, Lional Messi fan
“Folks will be capable to see Messi… He will certainly play for some time. We’re going to think twice in regards to the minutes that every one must be wholesome for the debut,” Scaloni stated in his pre-match information convention. “Messi I think about he’ll play, I do not know if the entire sport, half-hour, 60, no matter. However individuals are going for it to have the ability to see what’s an important factor.”
Argentina followers had been in downtown in large numbers, with many carrying the jersey of Messi. Over 51,000 followers confirmed as much as the sport.
“If he scores, that is life-changing for me,” Argentina fan Martin Juarez stated. “I grew up enjoying soccer. I look as much as him.”
Some followers had been overwhelmed because the Inter Miami star took the sector in Chicago.
“I am an enormous Messi fan,” Argentina fan Wilson Mendez stated. “It is my dream to see him play in particular person.”
Within the Loop, a whole bunch of Messi followers crowded the doorways of the Blackstone Resort Sunday afternoon, hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous person leaving to board the bus for the quick experience to Soldier Area.
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The Argentina fanbase was to not be outdone by Ecuador followers who had been additionally within the windy metropolis in large numbers, carrying yellow jerseys to point out their nationwide delight outdoors Soldier Area earlier than the match.
Some Ecuador followers drove 4 hours from Ohio for the sport.
“We could not miss the sport,” Ecuador fan Lexi Bonifaz stated.
Followers and not using a ticket additionally crowded into some Chicago bars to catch the motion on TV.
“Anytime Messi performs, there’s curiosity,” stated Charlie Jaimes with Birra N. “Any time individuals can get to see their idol play, they’re gonna be there.”
Issues get much more critical for Argentina and Ecuador in per week and a half. That is when the COPA event begins. Argentina is the defending champion, they usually’ll be enjoying on this nation for the second time within the event’s historical past.
Messi final performed for Argentina instead on Oct. 12, 2023, coming off the bench within the 1-0 victory towards Paraguay on the Estadio Monumental in Argentina.
Argentina has but to announce its ultimate 26-player roster for the Copa América, ready till these friendlies to make the ultimate cuts.
ESPN contributed to this report.
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