Lionel Messi’s match against LAFC drew a star-studded crowd including Steph Curry, Kendall Jenner, Selena Gomez, and David Beckham, turning the game into a Hollywood-level spectacle that highlighted the global impact of Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer.

When Lionel Messi stepped onto the field at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles for Inter Miami’s high-stakes match against LAFC, it wasn’t just soccer fans who showed up to watch greatness in motion—it was Hollywood royalty.

From courtside legends to supermodels, the stands were packed with A-listers who couldn’t resist the draw of the football icon’s magic.

The buzz began days before kickoff, as rumors swirled that Lionel Messi, fresh off his jaw-dropping debut month with Inter Miami, would be playing his first Major League Soccer game in Los Angeles.

And when match day arrived, it became clear this wasn’t going to be just another regular season fixture—it was going to be an event.

Seated in the VIP section were some of the most recognizable faces in entertainment and sports. NBA superstar Steph Curry, always a magnet for spotlight himself, arrived with his trademark calm, while Kim Kardashian’s sister Kendall Jenner brought a dose of runway glam to the soccer field.

Nearby, Leonardo DiCaprio kept a low profile behind his signature cap and mask, while Owen Wilson, Prince Harry, and even Selena Gomez were spotted enjoying the electric energy of the night.

Perhaps the most poignant presence, however, was David Beckham—the man responsible for bringing Messi to the U.S. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, now co-owner of Inter Miami, beamed with pride as his team faced off against one of MLS’s top squads.

Sitting beside his wife Victoria Beckham, the couple’s presence underscored just how global—and glamorous—the Messi effect has become.

And make no mistake: Messi delivered. The Argentine legend, fresh off his World Cup victory and now reshaping American soccer, played with the same effortless brilliance that has defined his career.

Though he didn’t score that night, his on-field intelligence, creativity, and sheer gravitational pull had the entire stadium fixated.

It wasn’t lost on fans that just a few months ago, the idea of Messi playing a league match in the U.S.—let alone drawing such a constellation of celebrities—felt like fantasy.

But since joining Inter Miami in July, Messi has not only changed the trajectory of the club (which was languishing near the bottom of the league) but has also reignited American interest in the sport in a way not seen since Beckham’s own MLS debut in 2007.

For Kendall Jenner, whose name is often associated with fashion weeks and high-gloss campaigns, being spotted cheering for Messi offered a glimpse into how pop culture is blending seamlessly with the beautiful game.

Her appearance—just weeks after being seen at a Beyoncé concert with rumored boyfriend Bad Bunny—also added a spark of intrigue to the night.

Steph Curry, meanwhile, has long expressed admiration for athletes outside of basketball. His appreciation for Messi is well-known, and the moment the two exchanged greetings post-match quickly went viral online.

It was a meeting of greatness—two titans in their respective sports, respecting each other’s legacy.

Selena Gomez, too, found herself the subject of headlines after cameras caught her with an exaggerated gasp during a Messi shot on goal. Her animated reaction instantly became a meme, circulating across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram within minutes.

It was a reminder that Messi’s brilliance doesn’t just thrill—it shocks, surprises, and delights in real time.

The sheer density of star power at the LAFC vs. Inter Miami game also reflects how soccer, once seen as a niche sport in the American mainstream, is evolving.

Messi’s arrival has created a gravitational pull not unlike LeBron James’ move to the Lakers or Tom Brady’s stint with the Buccaneers. Suddenly, MLS isn’t just a league—it’s a cultural phenomenon.

And Beckham’s vision is finally coming full circle. When he joined the LA Galaxy in 2007, critics questioned whether the U.S. would ever fully embrace soccer.

Now, with Messi leading the charge, stadiums are selling out, jerseys are flying off shelves, and the world’s most elite celebrities are vying for front-row seats.

Even for those who weren’t die-hard soccer fans, the night offered something unforgettable. Between the roar of the crowd, the sharp California night air, and the unmistakable tension of competition, this wasn’t just a game—it was a moment.

As Messi walked off the field, applauded not only by fans but by Oscar winners, NBA MVPs, tech moguls, and music superstars, it became crystal clear: this isn’t just the Messi era of MLS.

It’s a new chapter for American sports, one where worlds collide, and football—true football—is finally finding its place in the spotlight.

And the next time Messi comes to town, you can bet Hollywood will be watching again.