Lionel Messi’s First MLS Match in L.A. Attracts Eclectic Guest List of Stars
From royalty to sports and entertainment icons, the stars were out in Los Angeles on Sunday night to watch Lionel Messi lead Inter Miami CF into his first match against reigning MLS Cup champion LAFC.
The superstar forward entered the match looking to continue the strong start to his MLS career, one that’s attracted publicity for the league and his team around the world. And, while Messi’s previous matches have had a who’s who of celebrities in attendance, Sunday’s guest list took the word “expansive” to new heights.
Among the high-profile names on-hand included Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as LAFC part-owners, actor Will Ferrell and NBA and Lakers icon Magic Johnson, who was humbly listed as only “LAFC Owner.”
In addition to Johnson, NBA greats LeBron James and James Harden, Dodgers stars Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw and USC star/Heisman winner Caleb Williams comprised a well-rounded tier of pro athletes, both past and present.
On the entertainer side, rap legend Nas, and actors Gerard Butler, Tom Holland and Tobey Maguire (cue the Spiderman meme) joined Ferrell and a slew of others inside BMO Stadium. Oh, and, some guy named “Leonard DiCaprio” was also on the list as an “Actor,” although no one has been able to confirm who that actually is.
Needless to say, barring a lopsided contest, Messi’s first match in L.A. sounds as though it was destined to be legendary before the Argentine icon even stepped on the pitch.
