As anticipation mounts for Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated debut for Inter Miami on Friday night, a significant hurdle looms, dampening the spirits of eager fans. The six Major League Soccer (MLS) teams who host their matches on artificial turf are facing a predicament, as the football icon has reportedly stipulated his preference for playing exclusively on traditional grass fields. This unexpected requirement has triggered a wave of questions and concerns among supporters, leaving some to contemplate a journey to catch a glimpse of Messi elsewhere.
The list of the six fields, including iconic stadiums such as Gillette Stadium (New England Revolution), Providence Park (Portland Timbers), Lumen Field (Sounders FC), Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte FC), BC Place (Vancouver Whitecaps), and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta United FC), poses a challenge for Messi enthusiasts residing in those cities. Despite ticket sales soaring and matches being eagerly awaited, these artificial fields have become an unfortunate deterrent to his presence.
With Lionel Messi having the autonomy to determine his playing conditions, Inter Miami has reportedly communicated to MLS their star player’s adamant preference for traditional grass fields. This revelation has sparked an outcry from fans and left teams scrambling to inform supporters about potential adjustments for scheduled matches against Inter Miami.
Fortunately, addressing this challenge does not necessarily require a complete overhaul of the playing surface. Temporary installations of traditional grass have been successfully implemented in the past, allowing for the coexistence of both surfaces. Some teams, mindful of the NFL season overlapping with MLS fixtures, have already begun outlining their plans.
While Atlanta United FC and Charlotte FC have already made it clear that they won’t be installing grass to accommodate Messi, the Sounders and Revolution are yet to reveal their stance. Both these teams share their respective NFL stadiums, and decision-making processes may involve logistical considerations.
The Portland Timbers, located in the Pacific Northwest with heavy rainfall, face a more complex predicament. Grass maintenance is notoriously challenging in this region, while the stadium’s location atop a creek bed further complicates the task of installing grass. Despite player and fan appeals, the practicality of this change remains uncertain.
Amidst the concerning situation, there remains a glimmer of hope for fans in Vancouver. BC Place, also situated on artificial turf, is slated to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, necessitating the installation of natural grass. Although plans were already underway to transform the stadium, it remains to be seen if the timeline can be expedited to facilitate Messi’s presence. At this time, the team has not released any specific statement regarding Inter Miami games.
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