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Sehen Sie sich Fußballfans in New York City in Aktion an

Wörter von Emma Diab, Fotos von José A. Alvarado Jr. 10/1/2025

Fans wurden für das kürzliche FC-Match Inter Miami CF vs. New York City in Queens' Citi Field gestreamt. Selbst die harten Unterstützer des lokalen Teams waren gespannt darauf, wie ihre Seite gegen den GOAT, Lionel Messi, abschneiden würde, der Argentinien bei der FIFA-Weltmeisterschaft 2022 zum Sieg führte, bevor er sich vom internationalen Wettbewerb zurückzog und Paris Saint-Germain verließ, um für Miami zu spielen.

Das Spiel mit faster Kapazität spiegelte die Vielfalt der Stadt und des Stadtbezirks wider, aber auch die Liebe zum Spiel. "Wir' stammen aus einer italienischen amerikanischen Familie," sagt Lora von Long Island, die ihren 13-jährigen Sohn und seine Freundin zum Spiel mitgebracht hat.

„Ich habe mir angesehen, wie viele Fußballer aufgewachsen sind, also ist es schön, zu sehen, wie Fußball hier an Popularität gewinnt“, sagt sie. Und ich mag die New Yorker Fans sehr; die Fanbasis fühlt sich wie einheimisch an. Sie scheinen sich auf den gesamten Club zu konzentrieren, nicht so viele einzelne Spieler.

Scrollen Sie durch unsere Galerie, um zu sehen, wie die Unterstützer beider Teams die Energie schöpften.

Two people smiling at the camera, one wearing a headscarf and holding a colorful "We Love Messi" sign at an outdoor event, surrounded by individuals in Argentina soccer jerseys. The sign is decorated with hearts, flags, and handwritten messages.

Soccer fans Ayesha Jerin and Rabu Sultana outside of Citi Field; Sultana shows her love for Messi on a both poster and palm.

A crowd of people, many wearing Miami soccer jerseys, watch and take photos. A child sits on an adult’s shoulders, surrounded by raised phones and leafy tree branches overhead.

A child looks over the crowd outside of Citi Field to catch the festivities of the pre-game Fan Fest. New York City FC hosts a handful during the season, featuring games, photo opportunities, food and drink vendors and info on how to get involved with the team.

Two smiling people stand back to back, wearing Argentina-themed hats and shirts, outside Citi Field stadium. A crowd is in the background, and the atmosphere appears festive.

Nicole and Steven Castro pose in front of Citi Field at the pregame Fan Fest.

"I'm Argentinian," says Steven, when asked why he was supporting Miami instead of NYC. "I have to follow my icon." Other New Yorkers had the same rationale, which always led back to Inter Miami CF captain and all-around soccer hero Lionel Messi.

A man in a light blue New York City FC soccer jersey stands outside a stadium, smiling with arms crossed. A crowd surrounds him, including someone wearing a black Messi 10 jersey.

It was Luis Quizhpi's first time watching a game at Citi Field, though he owns nearby pizzeria Taste of Dolly's. Quizhpi was looking for the box office to purchase a ticket to see Messi, his favorite player, when a group of teenagers offered him their extra ticket.

"I've lived here almost 50 years," he says, "I've owned the pizzeria for 20 years. This is my country too. But I support Ecuador when they play during the World Cup. And Argentina of course!"

Close-up of a child’s legs wearing superhero-themed socks and black sneakers, standing with one foot on a blue-and-white soccer ball. Two other children stand in the background near a goal on a blue playing surface.

A child takes advantage of one of the kid-friendly activities at the Fan Fest.

A smiling person in a New York City FC jersey and cap holds a "NEW YORK CITY FC" scarf outside a brightly lit stadium at dusk.

"I belong to the NYCFC supporter club," says Manhattan's Diana Varela. "We get together at bars across the City and have watch parties, but nothing compares to watching it live."

A large crowd walks toward the entrance of Citi Field, warm lights, and flags flying above the building on a cloudy day.

The crowd begins to file into the stadium right before the match.

A person holds up their hand with "MESSI" and a red heart drawn on the palm; the background is blurred with people and some blue and white elements visible.

Rabu Sultana shows off her love for captain Lionel Messi.

A teenager with light brown hair and a slight smile, wearing a black jacket, stands outdoors in front of a blue and white blurred background.

"I want to try out for the club," says Jack Poehlsen, 16, who drove from Rockland County, New York, with his mother to see their first in-person New York City FC game. "There's lots of opportunity to join in and be part of something bigger. Soccer in New York is different than other places."

Two excited fans smile and raise their arms in celebration at a crowded stadium, with other people and seats visible in the background.

Ifiok and Ima Wilson, from the Bronx, jump out of their seats minutes before the game begins to watch the young player escorts walk onto the pitch with the teams.

"I'm a New York fan," says Ifiok, "but just for today, I'm a Messi fan."

Ima laughs, "He's 'Messi' like that!"

A packed crowd watches a nighttime soccer match at Citi Field, with fans in jerseys and a large screen displaying the game between New York City and Miami. The stadium lights illuminate the field and stands.

Members of the NYCFC supporters' section, who frequently lead chants for the team, stand to watch the action.

A close-up of a child’s forearm shows a blue and turquoise glitter tattoo in the shape of a soccer ball. The background is blurry and the child's hand is relaxed.

Even the littlest supporters came prepared to show off their love of soccer.

A large, brightly lit sports stadium packed with spectators at night. Stadium lights illuminate the crowd, creating a blue-tinted glow over the upper levels and stands.

The game at Citi Field was almost at capacity, with just over 40,000 people in attendance.

Fans holding an orange NYCFC Queens, NYC banner with hands gripping the center; people wear soccer jerseys and jackets, some with "Etihad Airways" and "Just Kick It" logos visible.

Fans in the NYCFC supporters' section hang banners, bang drums and begin cheers that take over the stadium .

A person wearing a light blue jersey covered with many black signatures stands next to another person at a stadium or sporting event.

Brian Tobar cheers for NYCFC next to another fan as part of the team's supporter group, The Third Rail.

"Football in New York City is unlike anywhere else," says Tobar, who was kind enough to pull his eyes away from the pitch to answer this reporter's questions. "It's home!"

A smiling person in a pink striped shirt stands beside a boy in a black soccer jersey at a brightly lit stadium, with a crowd and "LOUDER!" displayed on digital screens in the background.

Massimo, 13, and his mother Lora, from Long Island, smile from the first row during halftime. "I'm more of an Mbappé fan," says Massimo, referring to the French star who plays for Real Madrid. Massimo got into soccer by playing the FIFA video game with his friends.

It was only Massimo's second live soccer game; he saw AC Milan play when his family was on vacation. "New York fans are a lot noisier!" adds Massimo. "Everyone seems more enthusiastic, even if you're used to seeing players like Messi."

Two people wearing pink soccer jerseys smile and give thumbs up while sitting in stadium seats among a crowd of spectators.

Jorge Quintana and Camila Vasquez drove from Farmingdale, New York, to see the game. "Wherever Messi is, we're there. But we're big Ecuador fans too!"

A large crowd watches a soccer match at a stadium, with players on the field and fans in blue jerseys filling the stands near the goal. A player in an orange jersey is near the goal, and banners line the field’s edge.

The game ended in a 4–0 loss for New York City FC, who have already guaranteed their spot in this year's MLS playoffs.