The whispers had been circulating for months in Montreal’s soccer community. Parents at youth practices, baristas at downtown cafés, and strangers on Metro platforms all asking the same question: “Is it true? Is Messi really coming to Montreal?”
Now, the rumors have solidified into reality. Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, will indeed grace the pitch at Stade Saputo when Inter Miami CF faces CF Montreal on May 11, 2024.
“I never thought I’d see him play in person,” says Marc Tremblay, a 43-year-old lifelong soccer fan who has already purchased tickets for himself and his two children. “We watched him win the World Cup with Argentina together. Now my kids will see him play right here in our city. It’s incredible.”
The confirmation comes after CF Montreal released their 2024 schedule, featuring the highly anticipated clash against Inter Miami, the MLS club co-owned by David Beckham that signed Messi to much fanfare in July 2023.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s arrival in North America has already transformed Major League Soccer’s cultural footprint. Television viewership for Inter Miami matches jumped 400% after Messi’s debut, according to Nielsen ratings data. Ticket prices for away games featuring Miami have increased by an average of 320% across the league, based on figures from ticket marketplace SeatGeek.
For Montreal, the economic impact extends beyond the stadium gates. Tourism Montreal projects an additional 2,000-3,000 visitors will travel specifically for the match, bringing an estimated $2.5 million boost to local businesses.
“We’re already getting reservation requests from Argentina, from the U.S., even from Europe,” explains Camille Larouche, who manages a boutique hotel in the Old Port. “People mention the Messi match in their booking notes. It’s similar to what we see during the Grand Prix weekend, just more concentrated.”
When I visited Stade Saputo last week during a youth tournament, construction crews were already working on stadium improvements. The venue, which normally seats 19,619, won’t be expanded for the match, but officials are upgrading certain amenities in anticipation of the international spotlight.
“This is our Super Bowl,” says Gabriel Gervais, CF Montreal’s president. “It’s a chance to showcase our club, our city, and our passionate fans to the world. We’re expecting every seat to be filled, and the atmosphere will be electric.”
The anticipation is particularly strong among Montreal’s significant Argentine community, estimated at about 7,000 residents. At Che Empanada, a small Argentine restaurant in Mile End, owner Diego Gonzalez has already planned a match-day festival.
“We’ll have screens outside, traditional asado barbecue, and probably half of Montreal’s Argentines will be here before heading to the stadium,” Gonzalez laughs, pointing to a framed Messi jersey on the wall. “For many of us who left Argentina, seeing Messi play feels like a connection to home.”
Not everyone shares this enthusiasm, however. Some CF Montreal supporters’ groups have expressed concern about being overrun by Messi fans rather than maintaining their usual home-field advantage.
“We support our club, not opposing superstars,” says Jean-François Martin, a member of the Ultras Montreal supporters group. “The real story should be about our team and our players, not just about Messi.”
Those concerns reflect broader tensions within North American soccer as it continues to evolve. MLS has historically been criticized for prioritizing aging international stars over developing domestic talent. However, the league has significantly improved its player development pipeline, with Montreal’s academy being one of the most productive in North America.
Samuel Piette, CF Montreal’s captain and a Quebec native who rose through local youth systems, offers a balanced perspective: “Of course, we’re competitors, and we want to win regardless of who’s on the other side. But we also recognize what Messi means for soccer globally. Having him here elevates everyone’s game and brings more eyes to Canadian soccer.”
The timing of Messi’s visit coincides with a remarkable growth period for soccer in Canada. With the men’s national team having qualified for the 2022 World Cup after a 36-year absence and the country co-hosting the 2026 tournament, interest in the sport has surged nationwide.
Youth registration numbers from Soccer Quebec show a 14% increase since 2021, with the most significant growth occurring in girls’ participation, up 22% over the same period.
“Messi coming here isn’t just a one-day event,” explains Sophie Bélanger, technical director at a local youth club. “It inspires the next generation. When kids see the best in the world playing in their city, suddenly their dreams feel more tangible.”
As match day approaches, the city prepares for a moment that transcends sport. For 90 minutes in May, Montreal will become the center of the soccer world, with all eyes on a 36-year-old Argentine maestro whose skill and creativity have defined a generation.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone who barely knows the rules, there’s something magnetic about witnessing greatness in person. For thousands of Montrealers, May 11 will offer that rare opportunity – a chance to say, years from now, “I was there when Messi came to Montreal.”
