Chicago Fire v Inter Miami draws record crowd in Chicago

Soldier Field hosted a record crowd of more than 60,000 as Chicago welcomed the first meeting between two of MLS's biggest star attractions: Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Chicago Fire's Robert Lewandowski.

Record attendance for marquee MLS meeting

The occasion drew exceptional interest in Chicago, where supporters filled the stadium in numbers not previously seen for this fixture. The main attraction was clear: Messi and Lewandowski, two globally recognised names, sharing the stage in a league match-up that carried significance well beyond the local market.

According to the source material, it was the first encounter between the pair as leading figures in MLS, adding extra weight to the event and helping drive the attendance beyond the 60,000 mark.

Strong Polish presence in the stands

There was also a notable cultural dimension to the atmosphere inside Soldier Field. A large group of Polish fans turned out for Lewandowski, underlining his pull among supporters and the connection he can generate far from Europe.

Some fans even travelled directly from Torun to attend the match, a detail that reflected the scale of interest around Lewandowski's appearance in Chicago. Their presence added a distinct identity to the crowd on a night built around star power.

Messi support still dominant

Even with a sizeable Polish contingent in attendance, the balance in the stands leaned toward Messi. The Argentine forward's popularity remained the strongest force among the crowd, reinforcing the extraordinary profile he brings to every appearance.

That combination — Messi's global appeal and Lewandowski's ability to mobilise Polish support — helped turn the match into a standout occasion for MLS. The record attendance at Soldier Field was the clearest sign of that interest, with Chicago becoming the setting for a high-profile meeting between two of the league's biggest names.