In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke with Alex Windley of The Heron Outlet and The Pink Heron Press to learn more about this offseason version of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF, New York City FC’s opponent tomorrow when they face off at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale in the first-ever Noche d’Or: Here is your NYCFC d’Or vs Inter Miami d’Or preview.
1. Cash grab d’Or?
Hudson River Blue: This friendly is being held because Inter Miami missed out on the 2023 MLS Playoffs, and because Lionel Messi just won his eighth Ballon d’Or: Put them both together and you get the Noche d’Or. What do the fans and pundits in Fort Lauderdale think about this gold-plated match?
Alex Windley: Realistically, most original fans are upset. They think that it’s a cash grab and maybe shouldn’t be happening.
On the flip side, I’ve received DMs and messages from fans who maybe weren’t interested in MLS before, who are going to the match to see the team and Messi.
Also, in my personal opinion, I think this is a solid way for the team to get some minutes in before the off-season.
