(Chicago) Chicago Fire fans with tickets to the Aug. 31 game against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will be eligible for a refund if the injured Argentina star does not play, the MLS franchise said Friday.
Chicago Fire are aiming to fill their 62,000-capacity stadium for the visit of their Florida rivals but want to reassure fans who fear the absence of Messi, who injured his right ankle in Sunday’s Copa America final win against Colombia (1-0 after extra time).
The former Barcelona and Parisian announced that he would miss the next two MLS matches because of this injury but, far from rejoicing in the potential weakening of their opponent, the Chicago Fire management said they were “confident” in his presence in six weeks.
“A star of Messi’s calibre undoubtedly helps to bring more people in,” they acknowledged.
If the Argentine is ultimately unable to play, spectators will receive partial compensation in various ways, such as a $100 discount on the purchase of tickets for at least two other matches.
The Chicago Fire have planned a special program around the match, including a concert by singer Jason Derulo after the game.