Dallas – FC Dallas begins its first game of the season on Monday at the Cotton Bowl against Inter Miami. The team faced the added challenge of facing the best footballer in the world, Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami striker.
One fan who attended the match said: “I came to this match because I am Argentine like him, and secondly, because he is the best in the world.” “The weather doesn't help but emotions keep you warm anyway.”
“This is almost as good as the Superbowl,” another fan told CBS News Texas. “You see someone you look up to, trying to take a picture, trying to say hello!”
Even for young children and young footballers, seeing Messi up close was inspiring.
“It's inspiring how well he passes and how well he plays,” said Logan, a Messi fan. “He inspires me with how great a player he is.”
Brother and sister Daniela and Max came from Austin to watch the game. Daniela said: “His birthday is next week, and I surprised him with tickets today, so I took him out of school so he could see Messi play.”
The excitement for North Texas football doesn't end with Monday's game. It was recently announced that AT&T Stadium has been named as one of 16 locations that will host FIFA World Cup matches in 2026. The official location for the World Cup final will be announced in February.
“It's FC Dallas' ongoing promise to bring high-level North Texas soccer to the state of Texas,” says Dan Hunt, president of FC Dallas. “We're constantly working to grow the game.”
Dallas won Monday's match 1-0.
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