Watch New York City Soccer Fans in Action

Fans streamed into Queens' Citi Field in high spirits for the recent Inter Miami CF vs New York City FC match. Even die-hard supporters of the local team were eager to see how their side would fare against the GOAT, Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup before retiring from international competition and leaving Paris Saint-Germain to play for Miami.

The near-capacity game reflected the diversity of the City and home borough but also the love of the game. "We're from an Italian American family," says Lora, from Long Island, who brought her 13-year-old son and his friend to the game.

“I watched lots of soccer growing up, so it's nice seeing soccer rising in popularity here," she says. "And I really like the New York fans; the fan base feels homegrown. They seem centered on the club as a whole, not so much individual players."

Scroll through our gallery to see how supporters of both teams brought the energy.