Lionel Messi’s anticipated visit to Gillette Stadium set to break attendance record

New England Revolution is gearing up for a historic moment as they anticipate the visit of soccer legend Lionel Messi to Gillette Stadium next month.

The matchup with Inter Miami on April 27 is poised to shatter the Revolution’s long-standing single-game attendance record, with over 60,000 tickets already sold, the club announced.

With less than 5,000 tickets remaining for the MLS clash, the Revs are on track to surpass their previous attendance milestone of 61,316, which was set during the 2002 MLS Cup when New England hosted the LA Galaxy.

The buzz surrounding Messi’s visit has fueled immense demand for tickets, reminiscent of the excitement generated during the Revolution’s previous record-setting matches.

In 1997, a doubleheader featuring a Revolution home game against the Tampa Bay Mutiny, coupled with a World Cup qualifying match between Mexico and the United States, drew a record crowd.

Gillette Stadium, home to the New England Patriots, opened its doors in 2002 and has witnessed various memorable sporting events over the years.

The previous regular-season attendance record for a Revolution match at the stadium stood at 42,947, set in 2015.

While fans eagerly await Messi’s appearance in Foxborough, uncertainties loom regarding his availability for the highly anticipated clash.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, missing Inter Miami’s recent MLS matchups and Argentina friendlies in the U.S.

Miami manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino has provided updates on Messi’s condition, stating that the priority is to ensure his fitness for the club’s upcoming Champions Cup quarterfinal matchups against Monterrey on April 3 and April 10.

Notably, MLS teams have experienced similar situations in the past, with Messi’s absence leading to adjustments in ticketing policies.

Last season, the Chicago Fire offered incentives to ticket holders expecting to watch Messi, demonstrating the immense anticipation surrounding the soccer icon’s appearances.