One of the strangest things about Chicago Fire FC, who joined MLS in 1998 as one of the league’s first expansion franchises, is the origin of their name. One would think that a large fire that torched most of Chicago in 1871 might not be ideal inspiration for a sports team in Chicago, but the decision was nevertheless made and Chicago Fire FC they became. The Fire blazed into life in their very first MLS season, winning a Cup Double including the MLS Cup, with a 2-0 win over D.C. United, as well as the US Open Cup. The Fire would win three more US Open Cups over the years and reach two more MLS Cup Finals, losing 1-0 to Kansas City in 2000 and 4-2 to San Jose Earthquakes in 2003, and reaching several Semifinals too, over the next decade. The team’s momentum seemed to burn itself out completely after 2009, however, as they lapsed into a period of serious struggles on and off the field. As of 2024, the Fire have only qualified for the MLS Playoffs twice since 2009 (when they made the Semifinals), a truly dismal record in a league where 16 (now 18) teams qualify each year for the postseason. Nonetheless, Chicago’s legions of devoted and long-suffering fans cling to the hope each spring that this could be the year when their team gets back on track. With players like Brian Gutierrez, Fabian Herbers, and ex-Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri in their ranks for 2024, they might just be right. 

How can I get cheap tickets to Chicago Fire FC games?

Chicago Fire FC plays at large (and historic) Soldier Field, which is also the home of the NFL’s Chicago Bears. While crowds for the Fire rarely come anywhere close to filling this massive stadium, the lower sections used for soccer games do sell out very quickly, particularly for postseason tournament games, key conference deciders or rivalry matchups (see below). To get your hands on the cheapest tickets to Chicago Fire FC games, check the TicketX listings on this page, using our trusty TicketX seating chart to compare prices and locations. Tickets can be purchased from TicketX with a single click for the lowest commission fees! 

Will Chicago Fire FC play against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF in the 2024 regular season? 

Yes, Chicago Fire FC will play against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF on the following dates in 2024:

• Jul 20 - Chicago Fire FC at Inter Miami CF (Chase Stadium, formerly DRV PNK Stadium)

• Aug 31 - Inter Miami CF at Chicago Fire FC (Soldier Field) 

For your best chance at landing the cheapest tickets to sold out Inter Miami CF games featuring Lionel Messi*, search TicketX listings on this page and use our trusty TicketX seating chart to compare seats and prices. Tickets can be purchased from TicketX with a single click for the lowest commission fees! 

**As with any sport, there is never a guarantee that an athlete will be available to play in a certain game. Injuries and other issues can rule Messi out of action, just as they can with any other athlete.

Chicago Fire FC Soccer Rivalries

Chicago Fire FC has historic rivalries with LA Galaxy and FC Dallas due to the many dramatic games that they played against those teams in the early days of the MLS, although because the Fire has now moved to the Eastern Conference, they tend not to play those team so frequently, thus dampening those rivalries somewhat. The Fire’s main rivals these days are D.C. United, New England Revolution, Columbus Crew, and the new expansion team SL (based on the huge sports rivalry between St. Louis City SCand Chicago). 

Are Chicago Fire FC soccer games exciting?

Chicago Fire FC are always a lot of fun, with fans showing up in the team’s colors no matter the weather (the Windy City often lives up to its name, including this crazy goal!). Supporters groups like the Fire SG Barn Burners, who have been with the team since the beginning, show up en masse to home and away games, cheering on the Fire with everything they’ve got, including pre-planned choreography displays. Get your tickets to experience all the fun and excitement of a Chicago Fire FC from TicketX today!