“Messi & Friends” headed to USA this summer

Argentina and FC Barcelona hero Lionel Messi will headline an all-star cast set to take part in a series of exhibition matches in Chicago, Los Angeles, Colombia, Peru and possibly other locations this summer, according to a Miami-based events management company called Numero 5 which claims to be organizing the games.

Originally reported by Crain’s Chicago Business, “Messi & Friends” will include some three dozen global superstars who are gathering to raise funds and awareness for the Lionel Messi Foundation, which offers programs for children with terminal illnesses. Numero 5 says it has a verbal agreement in place with Chicago’s Soldier Field to stage an exhibition match on July 6.

“This event will feature the world’s greatest players in a festival of soccer, the most popular sport on the planet,” said Sergio Codino, Vice President of Numero 5, in a press release.

“The Messi and Friends exhibition, much like the NFL Pro-Bowl or the MLB All-Star Game, will provide fans with an unparalleled opportunity to witness the greatest athletes in the sport of soccer together on the field of competition before the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014.”

No information has been provided about the LA version of the event, and the July 6 game has not been finalized on Soldier Field’s official schedule. But VIP passes for the Chicago match are on sale on the event’s website for $2,500, featuring sideline tickets, a meet-and-greet with  star players and a ball and T-shirt autographed by Messi.

The event’s website features the likenesses of Messi, fellow Argentinean Javier Mascherano, Diego Forlan, Didier Drogba, Radamel Falcao, Guillermo Ochoa and Clarence Seedorf.