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New York Post
Lionel Messi’s murky injury status leads one MLS team to offer wild ticket deal
By Sean Savage,
15 hours ago
The Chicago Fire are igniting fans to attend Soldier Field on Aug. 31 with an eye-catching deal — thanks to Lionel Messi’s murky status.
The Fire are providing fans with a deal they’ve dubbed the “Fan-First Credit Guarantee,” emphasizing fans to fill the 61,500-capacity stadium in full, even if Messi, who is dealing with an ankle injury, can’t play in the game.
One potential benefit of the deal — if Inter Miami’s Messi can’t go — is that fans can get up to $250 off two or more season tickets in 2025.
“For tickets purchased between now until August 31, should Messi be unavailable for the match at Soldier Field, the Fire’s Fan-First Credit Guarantee will offer all single-match buyers $250 off two or more new 2025 Chicago Fire Season Ticket Memberships or $100 off two or more single match tickets for the 2025 home match versus Inter Miami,” the club said in a statement .
For those who already bought tickets, they would be able to redeem free entry to the team’s fan appreciation night later in the year.
To ensure a full stadium and to create the best possible experience for all in attendance at our 8/31 match, the Fire are offering the Fan-First Credit Guarantee.
Depending on your date of purchase, if Messi is unavailable on 8/31, fans will receive credit toward: 🎟️ Season… pic.twitter.com/iJAjSeXKRN
Lionel Messi reacts to his ankle injury during the Copa America final. REUTERS Lionel Messi runs with the ball during a football match between Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United FC on May 29, 2024. AFP via Getty Images
The star’s fate is uncertain after he suffered a nasty ankle injury during the 2024 Copa América Final.
In the 64th minute of Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia, Messi fell to the ground while chasing down Luis Diaz, who carried the ball.
Lionel Messi sidelined during Inter Miami’s game against Toronto FC. Getty Images
For some Fire fans, déjà vu fills the air.
Last year, the club sold 61,000 tickets— a team record — for its home game against Miami, reported by The Guardian .
However, when Messi didn’t play, the Fire presented season-ticket holders with $250 credit toward the following season alongside $50 credit for single-game viewers who decided not to attend.
Other teams in MLS followed suit.
Lionel Messi’s availability for club play looms with uncertainty. REUTERS
In May, the Vancouver Whitecaps made stadium concessions half-off to raise morale after Messi, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez didn’t travel.
If the two-game timeline accurately matches up with Messi’s availability, fans would be able to see him back out on the pitch at two Leagues Cup matches on July 27 and Aug. 3.
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