Lionel Messi returns to Houston
(image via Bob Levey/Getty Images)
With Lionel Messi set to take the field against the Houston Dynamo this weekend, it’s the perfect time to reflect on his previous appearances in Houston. Known for his unparalleled skill and magnetic presence, Messi’s visits to southeast Texas have been few but memorable. Each appearance has offered a glimpse into the magic of his game, leaving a lasting impression on both spectators and fellow players alike. In this article, we’ll take a look back at Messi’s past encounters in Houston, revisiting the highlights of his previous matches in the city, and building anticipation for what could be yet another unforgettable performance.
August 10, 2006 - FC Barcelona 4-4 Club America
A 19-year-old Messi made his first apperance in the Bayou City in front of 70,550 fans at what was then named Reliant Stadium. Ronaldinho led Barcelona to a second half comeback against the LigaMX club in a thrilling match that ended 4-4. Still a teenager at the time, Messi came on in the second half as the Spanish giants overturned an early deficit. The match was part of a doubleheader that saw the Dynamo lose 1-0 to the LA Galaxy in the first game of the day.
September 4, 2015 - Argentina 7-0 Bolivia
Messi returned to Houston nearly a decade after his appearance with Barcelona and made his first appearance at Houston’s downtown venue, named BBVA Compass Stadium at the time. Messi came off the bench and scored a brace as Argentina took down Bolivia 7-0 in a friendly. 22,126 watched the match, which was Argentina’s first since losing the Copa America final to Chile that summer.
June 21, 2016 - Argentina 4-0 United States
(image via Bob Levey/Getty Images)
The United States Men’s National Team made a run to the Copa America Centenario semifinal but then faced a clash with Argentina in Houston. Messi scored a memorable free kick as Argentina walloped the USMNT 4-0 in front of 70,858 fans at NRG Stadium. He added two assists in the match to go along with the goal that made him Argentina’s all-time leading scorer.
July 4, 2024 - Argentina 1-1 (4-2) Ecuador
Argentina returned to NRG Stadium last summer in route to their 2024 Copa America title. They won the final and lifted another trophy but needed penalties to get by Ecuador in their quarterfinal match up in Houston. Ecuador equalized in second half stoppage time and the match had to be decided in penalty kicks. Messi hit the cross bar with his penalty in the shootout, but his next four teammates scored and Emi Martinez made two saves to see Argentina through to the semifinal in front of a crowd of 70,564. Messi played the full match and broke the record for most minutes played in the tournament's history.
