Lionel Messi Plays in Minnesota for First Time

Even if you don't follow professional soccer, there are likely a few names you’ve heard, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and what many consider the best player in the world right now, Lionel Messi.

Over the weekend, crowds lined up in Minnesota to witness Messi’s first-ever game in the state.

Messi Mania Hits Minnesota

Minnesota’s professional soccer team, Minnesota United, hosted Inter Miami at Allianz Field in St. Paul on Saturday. Fans showed up hours before kickoff, hoping to catch a glimpse of the global icon.

Messi, a World Cup Champion and the all-time leading goalscorer for Argentina’s national team, also plays forward for Inter Miami. His presence alone nearly packed the stadium to capacity.

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19,710 fans showed up to Allianz Field, but surprisingly, that wasn’t a record. The highest attendance came in July 2023 when 19,954 fans turned out for a game against LAFC.

Minnesota Celebs Join the Hype

It wasn’t just soccer fans in the stands, Minnesota sports royalty turned out too. Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson was on the field and received a Minnesota United jersey. Wild stars Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello also made an appearance.

While Messi’s team left with a 4-1 loss to the United, fans still got what they came for: a goal from the man himself. Inter Miami’s lone goal was scored by Messi, making the match a win-win for many in attendance.

9 Unlikely New Names for Minnesota's Xcel Energy Center

After 25 years, Xcel Energy is stepping away from its naming rights deal with the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. A new sponsor is expected to sign a long-term, high-dollar agreement to rename the arena with the Minnesota Wild.

While several major brands are rumored to be in the running, we couldn’t help but think of some uniquely Minnesota companies that would make amazing (and hilarious) naming rights partners—if only they had the budget or interest.

Gallery Credit: Tony Hart

2025 Minnesota State Fair Grandstand Performers

Here is the schedule of all of the performing acts that will take the Grandstand stage at the Minnesota State Fair in 2025. As more acts are announced, we'll update this schedule.

Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth

Source: Messi Mania Hits Minnesota: Soccer Legend Draws Huge Crowd