CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) — Subaru Park became the center of attention for soccer fans as Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF visited the Philadelphia Union before a crowd in Chester.<\/p>\n
Messi, widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest players, took the field against the Union in what could have been his last match in Philadelphia, though no retirement plans have been announced.<\/p>\n
The Union got off to a strong start, scoring the first goal of the match against Inter Miami. However, for many fans in attendance, the opportunity to see Messi play was the main attraction.<\/p>\n
“I’m only here to see Messi,” said Mario Farnell of Aston.<\/p>\n
The possibility that it could be one of the final chances to watch Messi play in person drew supporters from across the region.<\/p>\n
“I wanna beat him right now, but I don’t wanna lose him for the good of the game,” said Max Bernstein of Cherry Hill.<\/p>\n
“It’s historic, it’s nice to be part of history and see,” said Tariq Fladger of Lafayette Hill.<\/p>\n
The Union entered the match seeking a fifth straight victory to strengthen their playoff push and looking for redemption after a 6-4 loss to Miami earlier in the season.<\/p>\n
But for many in attendance, the result was secondary to the experience of watching Messi on the field.<\/p>\n
“Who doesn’t love a revenge story, but I think the real story is Messi’s in town. That why people are here,” Farnell said.<\/p>\n
“He’s the G.O.A.T, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to beat him,” said Richard Bernstein of Cherry Hill.<\/p>\n
Fans got to see Messi score, and the Union avoided a loss, earning a 2-2 draw to keep their momentum going.<\/p>\n
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