NYCFC in the Media Thread - 2026

[Kenny]

Talles Magno has more optimism about second NYCFC stint — and already flashed potential during home-opening win

After subbing into the match in the 62nd minute, Talles Magno nearly scored NYCFC’s sixth goal of the afternoon Saturday against Orlando City.

nypost.com

Of all the angles to take writing about this game…

 

[Gene]

Tayvon Gray, Agustin Ojeda forming dynamic NYCFC duo as they push each other to their ‘limits’

Tayvon Gray and Agustín Ojeda are well aware of just how deadly the other can be on the pitch for NYCFC.

nypost.com

 

[ZYanksRule]

Well this is just terrible. HRB has done terrific work, especially the last few years.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2035363494309044351

 

[BC19]

That effing sucks

 

[LionNYC]

Time for NYCFC Fourms to get media credentials so all the writers can continue to post here.

 

[BxLio91]

Are the forums like the longest non CFG affiliated NYCFC related organization?
We gotta hope they're still around in 50 years.

 

[Gene]

The ‘frustrating’ reality NYCFC fans deal with when Lionel Messi comes to town

Sunday’s game marks the first time that NYCFC will see Inter Miami since they ended New York City FC’s run in the playoffs in November.

nypost.com

 

[ZYanksRule]

Nicely stated by Andrew here -- this is exactly how I feel about the Messi circus.

“This is something that all MLS fan bases have had to deal with and it has been quite frustrating,” Tucker said. “There are people who live in New York City and like soccer, but only bother to fill the stadium when Messi is in town. We directed our ‘Don’t Be Plastic, Support Your Local Club’ Barbie-themed tifo in 2024 at those people. The message was well received around the league, and I think most supporters in MLS will be happy once the Messi circus is over.”

 

[Shwafta]

Ppersonally I wouldn't be so annoyed about drawing 40k fans for Messi... If we also drew 40k against red bulls, our biggest rivalry.

 

[Gene]

meh

https://twitter.com/x/status/2035819526084755766

 

[ZYanksRule]

meh

https://twitter.com/x/status/2035819526084755766

SEO. That's all it is. Let them use Messi to get their clicks; everyone else does.

 

[gbservis]

Ppersonally I wouldn't be so annoyed about drawing 40k fans for Messi... If we also drew 40k against red bulls, our biggest rivalry.

Our biggest draw ever still remains the first HRD so we still have one but we need a star if they want even Villa level attendance numbers.

This was my favorite quote from the post article:

“I don’t think people are Inter Miami fans necessarily that are coming to the game. There’s people who want to see the greatest player of all time in person,” NYCFC CEO Brad Sims told The Post, noting that a majority of them are from New York. “We have an opportunity to expose them to our brand. We’re their home team.”

A bunch of fans that came out to see Messi aren't going to be captivated by our "brand". They buy tickets to see star players they have actually heard of. You can argue the on field merits of using roster spots on aging stars but they without a doubt have an effect on attendance.

 

[moogoo]

Our biggest draw ever still remains the first HRD so we still have one but we need a star if they want even Villa level attendance numbers.

This was my favorite quote from the post article:



A bunch of fans that came out to see Messi aren't going to be captivated by our "brand". They buy tickets to see star players they have actually heard of. You can argue the on field merits of using roster spots on aging stars but they without a doubt have an effect on attendance.

it might not convert every fan, but if it converts some, that's a win. They came and saw a solid game where two good teams slugged it out. They saw we played a flowing, attacking style. They saw we have an excellent player in Nico, even if he's not known the world over. If they want to see professional soccer in person, maybe coming to a NYCFC game might not be a bad thing. It gets the ball rolling.

No, you aren't gonna convert the snobs. But you can convert some casuals who came just because they heard of messi.

Having a big name might fill more seats for us while they are here and if they actually produce, but it would take a pretty big name. Look at NJ. They've got two players with some name recognition yet they can barely fill a 3rd of their stadium. I think we have pretty good fans to be able to fill 20K+ on average nearly every match, in baseball stadiums, at not bottom dollar prices, and not have a single star with global name recognition.

 

[ZYanksRule]

it might not convert every fan, but if it converts some, that's a win. They came and saw a solid game where two good teams slugged it out. They saw we played a flowing, attacking style. They saw we have an excellent player in Nico, even if he's not known the world over. If they want to see professional soccer in person, maybe coming to a NYCFC game might not be a bad thing. It gets the ball rolling.

No, you aren't gonna convert the snobs. But you can convert some casuals who came just because they heard of messi.

Having a big name might fill more seats for us while they are here and if they actually produce, but it would take a pretty big name. Look at NJ. They've got two players with some name recognition yet they can't barely fill a 3rd of their stadium. I think we have pretty good fans to be able to fill 20K+ on average nearly every match, in baseball stadiums, at not bottom dollar prices, and not have a single star with global name recognition.

Our attendance has gone up the last couple years and I have a sneaking suspicion this has something to do with it. People came to the 2024 Messi game when we tied it late, and the Miami plasticos started cheering for us by the end of the game. I'm sure some of those people have seen how we play and have started coming. Who knows how many people it is, but I have a suspicion there are fans we have created with the Messi games.

For the record, I think there are very few players in the world who, if they came to MLS, would generate the level of interest Messi does. Definitely Ronaldo and Mbappe. Would Neymar? Haaland? This Messi phenomenon isn't easily replicated because he's one-of-one. Very few guys are generating this level of interest, and will any of those guys ever want to come to MLS?

And I fully agree about the quality of our fanbase. This team generating over 20,000 fans/game despite the scheduling/stadium BS we've dealt with since 2015 is borderline miraculous. We are going to be a shooting star when the stadium opens next summer.