‘Messi Mania’ hits Arlington, but some parking lots sit empty as fans choose rideshare options

“We actually Ubered, and it was easy. The drop off was easy,” Rashae Rice said.

ARLINGTON, Texas — As rideshare drivers dropped off soccer fans making their way to Dallas Stadium, excitement was building for one of the biggest matches of the tournament.

“We actually Ubered, and it was easy. The drop off was easy,” Rashae Rice said. She lives in Fort Worth and knows soccer like the back of her hand.

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The Argentina v.s. Austria match was a game Rice had been looking forward to for months. As a former soccer player, she said seeing the World Cup in the United States adds to the experience.

“I’ve been playing soccer since I was four. And I stopped when I was in college. Like, it being here in America is like so much fun,” Rice said.

Rice was among the thousands of fans proudly wearing their team’s name ahead of kickoff. She came to see Argentina, enjoy the atmosphere, and a bit of history, possibly in the making.

“It means everything to me, and it’s Messi’s last World Cup, most likely, and he is the modern-day goat,” said Rice, “And I’m just really excited, the vibes, the atmosphere, it’s nice.”

Austria supporters showed their team spirit during a march to the stadium, chanting and waving flags as they made their way through the entertainment district.

Argentina native Dina Allegretti brought her own lucky charms for the occasion.

“I made my earrings; this is for Messi. He is our lucky charm, and this is the World Cup that we hope he brings back home,” Allegretti said.

Allegretti joined fellow Argentina supporters at Texas Live! to watch the match while many fans shared their predictions for the outcome.

“I’m not very good with predicting exact numbers, but all I know is that we’re gonna win,” Allegretti said.

“I do think Argentina’s gonna win,” Rice said.

“I think we are going to win today’s game 2-0,” Austin, a soccer fan, said.

Despite heavy traffic around the entertainment district, some higher-priced parking lots remained largely empty, including an $80 parking option near the venue. Many fans instead chose rideshare services, though that meant a lengthy walk to the stadium in the summer heat.

“I was prepared for that. So, I got to get my steps in before the game,” Rice said.

For fans who preferred not to make the walk, transportation organizers provided golf cart rides while FIFA volunteers helped direct crowds to the stadium as supporters from both countries prepared to cheer on their teams.