Messi, Suarez score in Kansas City soccer coronation at Arrowhead Stadium

In 1996, Sporting Kansas City, then known as the Kansas City Wiz, played their first match at Arrowhead Stadium in front of 15,000 fans. Saturday night, Sporting hosted Inter Miami, the club of soccer legend Lionel Messi, at Arrowhead in front of over 72,000 fans.

Messi, along with former FC Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez, scored goals in a 3-2 win for Miami. Sporting’s Erik Thommy had a brace of his own, finding the back of the net on a beautiful volley from a corner.

It was the highest attendance at a soccer match in Missouri history and the third highest attendance for an MLS regular season game. A testament to the commitment Kansas City has to the sport.

“Being there in 1996 and seeing just how far this organization and sport has come is just beautiful,” Sean Bowers, a member of the first Kansas City Wiz team, said. “It is an absolute perfect storm." 

The turnout showed extreme promise for what is to come in 2026, when Kansas City hosts the World Cup at Arrowhead. Sporting manager Peter Vermes spoke on the significance of the crowd Saturday night. 

“One of the coolest environments I have ever been a part of,” Vermes said. “An amazing prelude to the World Cup in two years.” 

To speak to the magnitude of the contest, Chiefs star quarterback and Sporting minority-owner Patrick Mahomes was in attendance, along with Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach. Mahomes met Messi pregame outside the Chiefs locker room.

Two fans, including a young boy who got an ovation from the crowd, invaded the pitch for a chance to stand beside Messi. 

As the game continues to expand in the United States, Kansas City stays at the forefront of the country’s dedication to fostering a thriving soccer culture.