Since Lionel Messi arrived in the United States, MLS fans have been coming to the stadium more than ever, with single-match attendance records also broken.
The 2023 MLS Playoffs are coming up and some big names will be absent. Both Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba will not be participating as Inter Miami failed to qualify , while Chicharito Hernandez’s LA Galaxy will also not be able to participate. However, the four players mentionedaove along with many other names have contributed to making 2023 the year with the largest number of match attendees in MLS history.
“History was made! Our players gave it their all on the field and fans turned out in record numbers. Thank you to everyone who attended MLS matches this season. Your amazing support has taken MLS to the next level! Here’s to more unforgettable moments for years to come,” MLS commissioner Don Garber posted on social media.
The Messi effect has created an unprecedented fever in MLS. Photo: GETTY
What will be the average number of supporters attending Major League Soccer matches in 2023?This season, a total of 10,900,804 fans attended matches at MLS stadiums, with an average attendance of 22,111. This represents an increase of approximately 5% from the average attendance of 21,033 in 2022. When compared to the previous record for greatest average attendance, which was achieved in the 2017 season with 22,106 people, the total for this year is 5% higher.
MLS has welcomed a record high number of people to the stadium since Messi joined Inter Miami. Photo: Twitter