Appreciate you writing about this Bob. I remember my Norwegian stepdad taking me to all kinds of soccer matches in LA as a child, and cheering the Toros and other transitory teams with superstars past their prime in whatever the league du jour was back then.
I have amazing memories of my time in Denver living next door to some Rapids players and even my young family having the privilege of a post match dinner that included Marcelo Balboa and our neighbor Marcus Hahnemann.
I've always wondered how the MLS was going to distinguish itself and I'm hoping that this Messi moment is the germ of its transition to a more globally relevant league. I think the US deserves a true international competitor and I only pray it comes to pass in my lifetime.
One of the downsides to the “app-ification” of television now is lack of promotion of other apps. If you are watching Netflix you aren’t going to see an advert for the MLS package thru AppleTV+. I’m sure on regular tv they may be advertising it but for those who have already cut the cord unless you are on that particular app it’s very easy to miss adverting for a particular show/sport. I get companies not wanting others to draw eyeballs/money away but that absolutely is a hurdle to truly growing the audience
I’d love to know how many new subscribers signed up for MLS Season Pass, due to the #MessiEffect. In many ways, this is a test case for everyone else in the Sports World. Sadly, others thought they could do the same thing and bring in numbers with a subscription based service, but look to be doomed and possibly fading away to Bolivion (PAC-12).
I too enjoyed the game with my son (who is named after the man of the night). It was truly a gift to see a 6 year old’s reaction to the magic on display because it expressed so well the boy like wonder his dad was feeling. Truly incredible night
I remember seeing Pele at Ownby stadium in the rain in (I believe) 1976. My dad was heavily involved in youth soccer and we had season tickets throughout most of the 70's...but nothing came close to that day. The play and the game itself were not nearly as exciting as what Messi and FC Dallas put on display last night but still a vivid memory.
This great. I'm so glad you made it. PS love the note about Graziani, even if that name is going to get you the question mark look among many of the newer fans :)
Agree, it's too bad this wasn't on "free" TV, but WOW, what a game and what a treasure that you got to enjoy that game and performance live with your son. Thanks for the coverage! Long Live the SturmStack!
Great write up Bob! I had an Amazing experience watching Messi with my nephew and we were in awe of his brilliance. It reminded me of when Jordan would come into town as we wanted the home team to win, but still cheer on Jordan with his greatness. That is very rare company where the home fans are celebrating the opposing player. I can only think of MJ!
Just incredible! I coul’nt stop smiling all night! The way he accelerates, the way he puts the ball where ever he wants WITH HIS FEET was a joy to watch! I’m fired up your son got to watch that!
I’m a bit surprised the Argentinian kid had a Maradona tattoo and not a Messi one considering he has probably never seen Maradona play aside from old highlights. Guess the hand of god legend lives on strongly still.
Also not sure if it’s just me but I couldn’t get any of those videos to play.
I'm not sure I've ever seen a greater variance in hair than these two....your son has world class locks Bob.
To me, that is the look of _two_ kiddos who just saw Messi live. Congratulations to both of you!
OK one might be just a bit older, but . . .
Isn’t it awesome when a legend lives up to the hype? Fun read!
I know you mean the player, but the writer isn't too far behind. You brought us into the stadium and into your history Bob. Greatly appreciated!
Appreciate you writing about this Bob. I remember my Norwegian stepdad taking me to all kinds of soccer matches in LA as a child, and cheering the Toros and other transitory teams with superstars past their prime in whatever the league du jour was back then.
I have amazing memories of my time in Denver living next door to some Rapids players and even my young family having the privilege of a post match dinner that included Marcelo Balboa and our neighbor Marcus Hahnemann.
I've always wondered how the MLS was going to distinguish itself and I'm hoping that this Messi moment is the germ of its transition to a more globally relevant league. I think the US deserves a true international competitor and I only pray it comes to pass in my lifetime.
Thanks again!
Why is this likely to be Messi’s only visit to Dallas?
The unbalanced schedule means that Inter Miami visits to FC Dallas are not expected again until 2025 or 2026, I believe. Would love to be wrong!
Thanks!
Great stuff sports leader! Glad you and your son had a moment to share forever.
One of the downsides to the “app-ification” of television now is lack of promotion of other apps. If you are watching Netflix you aren’t going to see an advert for the MLS package thru AppleTV+. I’m sure on regular tv they may be advertising it but for those who have already cut the cord unless you are on that particular app it’s very easy to miss adverting for a particular show/sport. I get companies not wanting others to draw eyeballs/money away but that absolutely is a hurdle to truly growing the audience
I’d love to know how many new subscribers signed up for MLS Season Pass, due to the #MessiEffect. In many ways, this is a test case for everyone else in the Sports World. Sadly, others thought they could do the same thing and bring in numbers with a subscription based service, but look to be doomed and possibly fading away to Bolivion (PAC-12).
I too enjoyed the game with my son (who is named after the man of the night). It was truly a gift to see a 6 year old’s reaction to the magic on display because it expressed so well the boy like wonder his dad was feeling. Truly incredible night
I remember seeing Pele at Ownby stadium in the rain in (I believe) 1976. My dad was heavily involved in youth soccer and we had season tickets throughout most of the 70's...but nothing came close to that day. The play and the game itself were not nearly as exciting as what Messi and FC Dallas put on display last night but still a vivid memory.
This great. I'm so glad you made it. PS love the note about Graziani, even if that name is going to get you the question mark look among many of the newer fans :)
Bob,
Agree, it's too bad this wasn't on "free" TV, but WOW, what a game and what a treasure that you got to enjoy that game and performance live with your son. Thanks for the coverage! Long Live the SturmStack!
Great write up Bob! I had an Amazing experience watching Messi with my nephew and we were in awe of his brilliance. It reminded me of when Jordan would come into town as we wanted the home team to win, but still cheer on Jordan with his greatness. That is very rare company where the home fans are celebrating the opposing player. I can only think of MJ!
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this! Thanks for describing the environment so well!
Makes me flash back to watching Kobe in person at Staples during his final season and how special that was.
Just incredible! I coul’nt stop smiling all night! The way he accelerates, the way he puts the ball where ever he wants WITH HIS FEET was a joy to watch! I’m fired up your son got to watch that!
I’m a bit surprised the Argentinian kid had a Maradona tattoo and not a Messi one considering he has probably never seen Maradona play aside from old highlights. Guess the hand of god legend lives on strongly still.
Also not sure if it’s just me but I couldn’t get any of those videos to play.
I had video issues too. And whether you saw him play or not, Maradona is the closest thing to God in Argentina