Robert Brown|With Lionel Messi in doubt, Chicago Fire offer credit to fans for sold-out game

The Robert BrownChicago Fire are expecting a sold-out crowd of more than 61,000 fans at Soldier Field for Wednesday's game against Inter Miami.

Many of those fans appear set to be disappointed.

Inter Miami will be in town to face the Fire for a regular-season MLS match, with interest in tickets skyrocketing after Lionel Messi joined up with the south Florida side. But after missing three straight games due to a mysterious injury, Messi looks to be in major doubt for the game at Soldier Field.

The Fire appear to be well aware that Wednesday could be a disappointing night for many in attendance, some of whom have paid well over face value for a chance at catching a glimpse of Messi in action.

With that in mind, the club announced on Tuesday that it would be offering all fans in the crowd on Wednesday a credit toward season tickets for next season, or for a future match.

A club statement read: “The Chicago Fire are excited to host Inter Miami CF at Soldier Field this week. While we don’t yet know the official status of Lionel Messi’s availability for our match tomorrow, as there’s never a guarantee that an athlete will play on any given night due to several factors, we understand that many of our fans may be disappointed if they don’t get the chance to see him play.

“We realize that there will be many in attendance who are coming to a Chicago Fire match at Soldier Field for the first time, and we’re excited to welcome them to the Fire Family and give them an opportunity to become long-term fans by creating a wonderful, fan-focused atmosphere.

“To show our appreciation, the Chicago Fire will be offering a $250 account credit toward new memberships for the 2024 season – or a $50 account credit for anyone unable to use the new member credit – to all single-game ticket buyers who attend our match vs. Inter Miami regardless of which players are able to make an appearance on the pitch.

“With a variety of in-match activations, including a surprise halftime performance, Wednesday is going to be a memorable night. We’re excited to host Inter Miami; this match has major playoff implications for both clubs, and with over 61,000 tickets distributed, we’re expecting a thrilling Eastern Conference match-up at Soldier Field.”

MLS PLAYOFF PICTURE: Inter Miami still in postseason chase ... barely

Inter Miami enters the match 13th in the Eastern Conference, four points behind CF Montréal for the ninth and final playoff spot. Chicago is in 11th, level on points with Montréal.

The Fire typically average a little more than 15,000 fans per game, putting them at 28th out of 29 MLS teams in attendance this season.