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Lionel Messi Superfan Finally Sees His Idol
Lionel Messi superfan Pier-Marc Brunelle is ecstatic to finally have the opportunity to witness his idol play live. The anticipation of this moment happening in Montreal has left him awe-struck. Despite travelling to Europe on multiple occasions in the past, hoping to see Messi in action for FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Brunelle was left disappointed as Messi did not play in those matches. However, that all changed on the day Messi’s Inter Miami CF visited CF Montreal in Major League Soccer action, with Messi included in Miami’s starting lineup.
Brunelle’s Journey to Stade Saputo
Decked in a Messi Miami jersey and an Argentina hat, Brunelle, a 25-year-old from Berthierville, Que., made the trip to Stade Saputo hours before the kickoff. He has idolized Messi since he was eight years old, seeing in him an inspiring figure despite their similar lack of height. According to Brunelle, Messi’s natural talent and ability with the ball have always been a source of inspiration for him.
Excitement Among Fans
Not only was Brunelle excited, but many other fans were also eager to catch a glimpse of Messi in action. CF Montreal saw a surge in season ticket sales backed by Messi’s move to Miami, marking a sold-out season for the club for the first time since joining MLS in 2012. Mathieu Brassard and his son, Elie, made the journey from Trois-Rivières, Que., also experiencing their first season as ticket holders of the club. The arrival of Messi in Canada added an unexpected twist to the fan dynamics.
Impact on Young Fans
Zack and Jacob Ibrahim, two young soccer enthusiasts, accompanied by their mother Manon, traveled from Ottawa to witness Messi live. Holding up signs asking for Messi’s autograph, they were filled with sheer excitement. The absence of their father, Mohammed, who passed away in 2020, added a poignant touch to their experience, as he had been the one to introduce Messi into their lives.
Momentous Arrival of Messi
As Messi’s arrival drew closer, the anticipation among fans reached a fever pitch. Hordes of supporters waited at Montréal-Trudeau airport and later at the Ritz-Carleton hotel upon the team’s arrival. Matias Garabedian, originally from Argentina and a resident of Montreal since 2010, expressed his awe at witnessing Messi’s presence in the city. The atmosphere was electric as fans flocked to Stade Saputo, eager to cheer for their teams and make Messi feel welcome.
Home-Field Advantage for CF Montreal
Amidst the sea of Messi fans, CF Montreal supporters were resolute in ensuring that the match felt like a home game despite the star-studded opposition. Jonah Presser, director of communications for CF Montreal supporters’ group 1642MTL, emphasized the importance of maintaining the home-field advantage and making the experience memorable for both teams.
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