Another visit from Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF, another attendance record for Chicago Fire FC.
The Fire welcomed 63,094 fans to Soldier Field for Wednesday night's clash with Inter Miami, establishing a new single-match club attendance record.
Wednesday's crowd surpassed the previous club record of 62,358, set when Chicago hosted Miami on April 13, 2025. That match broke the previous mark of 62,124, established during Chicago's 4-1 victory over Miami in October 2023.
Wednesday's turnout adds another milestone to a memorable 2026 season for the Fire, with global superstar Robert Lewandowski's arrival helping usher in a new era for the club.
Historic crowds across MLS
Chicago's record-setting turnout continued a trend of massive crowds across MLS in 2026, with several clubs establishing new attendance benchmarks.
- May 9 - Toronto FC vs. Inter Miami CF: A club-record 44,828 fans packed BMO Field, where Messi recorded 1g/2a in Miami's 4-2 victory.
- April 18 - Colorado Rapids vs. Inter Miami CF: A club-record 75,824 fans packed Empower Field at Mile High for Miami's 3-2 victory, marking the second-highest single-match attendance in MLS history.
- March 7 - D.C. United vs. Inter Miami CF: A club-record 72,026 fans filled M&T Bank Stadium for Miami's 2-1 victory.
- Feb. 21 - LAFC vs. Inter Miami CF: An MLS opening-weekend record 75,673 fans attended LAFC's 3-0 victory at LA Memorial Coliseum.
Star factor
Wednesday's crowd had no shortage of star power, with Lewandowski and Messi going head-to-head in a matchup between two of the world's most accomplished players.
Lewandowski joined Chicago this summer following a decorated career in Europe that included more than 700 goals for club and country. The Polish legend made a quick impact in Wednesday's contest, scoring the opening goal in the 10th minute.
The sides ultimately battled to a 1-1 draw, keeping Miami second in the Eastern Conference on 44 points, with Chicago close behind in third (39 points).
