The Bigger Picture Behind the Huge Turnout at the LAFC-Inter Miami Match Beyond Lionel Messi
Over 75,000 Attend Spectacular Soccer Match at Coliseum
More than 75,000 fans filled the Coliseum for a highly anticipated soccer match on Saturday night, marking a historic moment for Major League Soccer (MLS). The event, hosted by Los Angeles FC (LAFC), not only set the record for the largest crowd at a soccer game worldwide in recent times but also became the biggest attendance for an MLS season opener and the second-largest in league history.
The game was moved from LAFC’s usual home, BMO Stadium, to the larger 77,000-seat Coliseum, partly due to the presence of Lionel Messi, a player often hailed as one of the greatest in the sport. The turnout was notable, as it represented the largest audience at the Coliseum for any event in over six years.
Interestingly, the crowd showed overwhelming support for LAFC, donning the team’s signature black and gold rather than the pink of Messi’s team, Inter Miami. LAFC emerged victorious with a score of 3-0, a positive sign for the league’s growth.
According to a senior MLS executive, it was the first time he had witnessed Messi being booed during warmups. "The fans immediately started booing Inter Miami and Messi as they came out of the tunnel for warmups," he noted, emphasizing the strong loyalty of LAFC’s fan base over the allure of star power.
The game resonates within the broader context of MLS’s evolution, particularly following the league’s history of attracting fans eager to see big-name players like David Beckham and Thierry Henry. However, Messi’s arrival elevated this trend, leading to record crowds across various franchises.
The league is striving for a more authentic fan culture, characterized by dedicated supporters who rally behind their teams consistently, rather than casual audiences drawn solely by marquee players. LAFC appears to have captured this spirit, as reflected in the excitement they generate among their fans.
"This atmosphere in the stadium is nice for the team. We know the fans are coming to support us," said LAFC striker Denis Bouanga, highlighting the importance of local support.
In the last four seasons, LAFC has shattered attendance records twice. The match against the LA Galaxy in 2023 attracted 82,110 fans at the Rose Bowl, the most for any MLS game, while Saturday’s 75,673 attendees marked the second-largest showing ever and the top figure for a season opener.
Since joining the league in 2018, LAFC has outperformed all other teams in wins, goals scored, and points earned. Notably, Bouanga has outscored Messi in regular-season goals since the latter’s entry into MLS, and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris boasts the record for the most World Cup games played.
As Bouanga affirmed, the motivation to succeed against Messi runs deep. "We want to beat Messi; we want to beat Miami because Messi is there. The motivation is so high for this game. Maybe this game means more."
For LAFC supporters, it was a resounding affirmation of their loyalty, with over 75,000 rallying behind their local team. This enthusiasm bodes well for the future of MLS, signaling a shift towards a more robust and dedicated fan culture.
