Lionel Messi will kickstart his first full season in the MLS with a game against Real Salt Lake. A piece of surprising news has emerged about a game that is later in the season. Inter Miami’s game against Sporting KC on April 13 will see a change of venue. The match is now set to be hosted by Arrowhead Stadium and the conditions there will likely make it harder for David Beckham‘s side.

The Argentine made a cracking first impression by handing Inter Miami the Leagues Cup in 2023. Interestingly, this was the club’s first major title in its history. Hence, fan expectations are high this season and the latest news might not be encouraging to the Herons’ supporters!

Lionel Messi gears up for spectacular debut in the Midwest

MLS’ Sporting Kansas City is moving the home game scheduled against Inter Miami from Children’s Mercy Park to Arrowhead Stadium. The big difference between the two venues is the stadium capacity. Arrowhead Stadium can host 76,000 spectators as compared to the 18,000 for the other venue. Considering how this will lead to significantly improved home support, Lionel Messi & Co. can expect a stern challenge. Furthermore, this is the World Cup winner’s first professional game in the Midwest region.

Mercy Park has been the home ground for Sporting KC since 2011. However, it would be wrong to say that they are strangers to Arrowhead Stadium. In fact, Sporting played at Arrowhead from 1996 to 2007. At that point in time, they were known as Kansas City Wizards. The stadium, also home to NFL side Kansas City Chiefs, was previously used for an exhibition match against Manchester United in 2010. It is also set to host matches for the upcoming Copa America and in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Tickets for the game are set to be available from January 16, with the prices expected to start at $65. The general public still seems to be puzzled by the decision, but the Sporting CEO has provided his explanation of the matter.

An ‘unprecedented amount of interest’ was the reason behind the stadium switch, Sporting KC chief explains

Jack Reid clarified the reason behind the move in an official press release. He explained, “This match (vs Inter Miami) has generated an unprecedented amount of interest since Major League Soccer released our schedule less than three weeks ago.” As per the president, this match is set to be the biggest event for Kansas City in the spring. Hence, the move to a bigger stadium seems to be to accommodate the Lionel Messi hype. Although they are the first team to arrange for a change of venue, it is unlikely they will be the last.

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Real Salt Lake, DC United, and Colorado Rapids play in stadiums with a capacity of less than 22,000. Hence, it will be interesting to see how other teams respond to Sporting’s move. Interestingly, Lionel Messi’s home ground, Fort Lauderdale, has a capacity of just 21,000. Could David Beckham & Co. be planning something behind the scenes?

What is your opinion of the venue swap? Tell us below.

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