Lionel Messi's name trended once again in the last few hours after he was spotted at a department store in Miami. The video went viral just as the Hard Rock Stadium was opening its doors for the grand finale of the College Football Playoff (CFP) between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes. This geographical coincidence sparked a wave of social media theories regarding whether the Argentine star would attend the stadium to support the local team.

The Verdict: Was Leo at the Grand Final?

This Monday, January 19, 2026, college football witnessed a historic final. On one side, the tournament’s breakout team: Indiana, led by Cuban-American quarterback Fernando Mendoza. On the other, the Miami Hurricanes, who were looking to be crowned champions at home after overcoming one of the most demanding seasons in their history.

However, to the disappointment of many fans, the answer is no. Despite the rumors, there was no official confirmation or visual sighting of the reigning MLS champion in the stands of Hard Rock Stadium. Although Messi is fully integrated into Florida life with Inter Miami, he was not part of the college football festivities.

The Verdict: Was Leo at the Grand Final?

This Monday, January 19, 2026, college football witnessed a historic final. On one side, the tournament’s breakout team: Indiana, led by Cuban-American quarterback Fernando Mendoza. On the other, the Miami Hurricanes, who were looking to be crowned champions at home after overcoming one of the most demanding seasons in their history.

However, to the disappointment of many fans, the answer is no. Despite the rumors, there was no official confirmation or visual sighting of the reigning MLS champion in the stands of Hard Rock Stadium. Although Messi is fully integrated into Florida life with Inter Miami, he was not part of the college football festivities.

The Viewership Challenge Despite the sales success, the MLS Season Pass has failed to gain significant traction in ratings. During the 2025 season, matches averaged a mere 120,000 viewers.

This figure is particularly concerning when compared to the 3x3 Women’s Basketball League. This much younger competition—currently in only its second season—is pulling in between 71,000 and 175,000 viewers on traditional cable. These numbers directly compete with the global reach of MLS on streaming. This suggests that while Messi is a massive money-maker, the league is still struggling to convert that star power into a loyal and consistent fan base.

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