The world’s top soccer player is coming to Chicago this summer, and he’s bringing a few friends along.

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, a four-time FIFA player of the year, makes his Chicago debut July 6 at Soldier Field in an all-star match featuring 36 top players from around the globe.

The “Messi and Friends” event, which will benefit his children’s foundation, could launch an annual world-class all-star series.

“In the World Cup you can see only two or three of these stars play in one game; here you’re going to see 36 world-recognized stars play in one game together,” event manager Ada Linares, an executive with Miami-based Numero 5 LLC, told the Tribune on Friday.

“Our company really liked Chicago (because) the opportunities for soccer are so immense ... and we are developing a concept to do this yearly at different cities.”

Although an agreement isn’t finalized, a Soldier Field representative said an official announcement could come as early as next week.

“We will shortly be putting on our website that Messi and Friends will be coming to Soldier Field,” spokesman Lucca Serra said. “For the most part, in principle, we are moving forward with Messi and Friends to take place here.”

Crain’s Chicago Business first reported the story earlier this week. Other participants won’t be revealed until late March or early April.

Messi and Friends would be the latest world-class soccer event at Soldier Field, which has hosted Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, AC Milan and national teams from Mexico, Brazil, Poland, Argentina and the U.S., in addition to five games in the 1994 World Cup.

Also coming to the stadium July 28 is the championship game of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Sources told the Tribune on Friday that Soldier Field will host the Gold Cup final for the first time since 2007.

Ticket sales for Messi and Friends could open in late February or early March. The promoter already is offering premium packages for $2,500 that include Messi-signed balls and shirts, a meet-and-greet with players and sideline seating.

Proceeds will benefit the Leo Messi Foundation, formed in 2007 to aid sick and at-risk children.

The FC Barcelona star has organized similar games in Central and South America and a small-scale event in Miami in 2012.

Messi, 25, recently was awarded his fourth straight FIFA Player of the Year award after scoring a world-record 91 goals combined for Barcelona and Argentina.

“I’m excited about playing in Chicago and showcasing many of the greatest stars of our sport,” Messi said in a statement. “It’s also important for me to connect with soccer fans in the USA and to promote the work of my foundation, and for that I am very thankful for this opportunity.”

Linares said the event will be televised worldwide.



