The impact of Lionel Messi on American soccer continues to grow, with the start of Major League Soccer’s new season delivering another remarkable milestone. As Inter Miami CF begin their MLS title defense, stadium attendance figures across the United States have once again highlighted the extraordinary drawing power of the Argentine superstar.
Despite the 2026 MLS campaign beginning less than a month ago, the presence of Messi has already created historic numbers at stadiums hosting Inter Miami matches.
Lionel Messi’s presence fuels record-breaking stadium attendance
Fans across the United States have flocked to stadiums to witness Messi in action as he leads Inter Miami’s title defense. Two early-season matches have already attracted crowds that surpassed attendance figures from the most recent Super Bowl LX.
Inter Miami’s opening match of the season against Los Angeles FC was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where a crowd of 75,673 spectators gathered to watch the Argentine icon and his teammates begin their campaign.
A few weeks later, another massive turnout followed when Inter Miami faced D.C. United at M&T Bank Stadium. The match drew 72,026 fans, further underscoring the continued surge of interest surrounding Lionel Messi’s appearances in the league.
Both attendances eclipsed the 70,823 spectators who attended the Super Bowl in Santa Clara the previous year.
Inter Miami’s mixed start to MLS title defense
On the field, Inter Miami have experienced a mixed start to the new season. Their opening match ended in a 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC, but the team quickly bounced back with a 4-2 victory against Orlando City SC.
In their latest outing, Messi played a key role as Inter Miami defeated D.C. United 2-1, securing their second win of the campaign. The Argentine legend also moved closer to another historic personal milestone, standing just one goal away from reaching 900 official career goals.
Messi’s influence extends beyond the pitch
While the attendance numbers highlight Lionel Messi’s unmatched appeal in American soccer, the league still trails the Super Bowl when it comes to total television viewership. The NFL championship event typically attracts more than 120 million viewers in the United States alone, far exceeding the audience for a standard MLS broadcast.
Inter Miami will now shift their focus to continental competition, where they are set to face Nashville SC at Geodis Park in the Round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.