One of the most shocking news to sports fans in the summer of 2023, was Lionel Messi’s announcement of transferring to Inter Miami to play American soccer after decades of playing in Europe. Although surprising to many, Americans found joy as one of the most famous soccer players in the world would now be even easier to watch in person. Fans in the DFW region have that opportunity Monday, as FC Dallas will take on Inter Miami in a pre-season match at the Cotton Bowl.
“Lionel Messi is important because he’s constantly in the debate of best player of all time,” head boys soccer coach Evan Mcgee said. “I personally think that he is the best player that’s ever played on Earth. So just a lot of weight carried around when you’re talking about his name. He’s coming to the end of his career, and he’s playing in the MLS and so a lot has changed.”
Having 821 career goals, a World Cup trophy, and countless individual honors, Messi is constantly debated as one of the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T). To sophomore varsity boys soccer player, Joseph Mediaceja, Messi is the G.O.A.T. and on Monday, Mediaceja will get to see his idol play in person, scoring tickets to the big game.
“I’m very excited, I get to see Messi play, he’s the best soccer player ever,” Mediaceja said. “He is just really good, and I like him a lot. I look up to him, he’s my G.O.A.T.”
With temperatures expected to drop into the low 40s Monday night, fans might have an unpleasant watching experience not only with the weather, but Messi’s playing time might also be affected.
“Sometimes it’s actually really fun to play in those conditions when you get to be a kid again, especially as you get older and you play professionally,” head girls’ soccer coach Kyle Beggs said. “So I think for the players they will have a little fun with it, especially because it’s a preseason game. One thing you do have to take into account as a coach though is it’s a preseason game, so you have to watch out for the health of your players and injuries can happen.”
For fans not able to score tickets, they will be able to watch exclusively on MLSsoccer.com with kickoff at 6:00 p.m.
