Messi a no-show at Soldier Field as fans flock to Chicago for Fire game

CHICAGO - Soldier Field was set to host the biggest Chicago Fire game ever Wednesday because of international soccer star, Lionel Messi.

Some 61,000 tickets were sold for the match against Inter Miami that started at 7 p.m.

Pre-game festivities kicked off with corn hole and families having a blast!

But, no matter where you were, everyone was looking for and talking about Lionel Messi.

However, Messi, who plays for Miami and Argentina, was ruled out Wednesday due to a leg injury.

Some fans paid thousands of dollars to see him in action. 

Eric Fernandez said he paid $2,000 for four tickets, and it was all worth it. 

Chicago Fire Fan Deborah Jahn said she couldn’t care less about the soccer legend. 

"I just enjoy the game", Jahn said. 

Despite Messi being a no-show, die-hard admirers still showed him lots of love. 

The Chicago Fire is offering a $250 account credit toward new memberships for next year’s season or a $50 account credit for anyone unable to attend Wednesday's match.