Soccer Star Lionel Messi Visiting Hoboken For Weekend, Police Confirm

HOBOKEN, NJ — International soccer star Lionel Messi has visited Hoboken this weekend in advance of the Inter Miami match Saturday night at Red Bulls Stadium in Harrison, police confirmed.

"The Hoboken Police Department was made aware of Messi’s visit to Hoboken in advance and worked with his security team to ensure a safe visit for all," said a police spokesperson.

"Soccer Star @leomessi is checking into the W Hoboken this wkd!" said a post on Instagram from Thursday evening, showing police activity near the W Hotel on the south waterfront.

On Friday, fans clustered near the hotel entrance with pens, hoping he'd sign their jerseys.

At 9:10 p.m., a team bus returned to the hotel garage, to cheers from the audience, but no one emerged. A police officer told the crowd that Messi had no plans to step out that night.

Hoboken is 8 miles from the stadium where the Argentine-born athlete will get his kicks on Saturday.

Resale tickets for the upcoming game start at $386, but have reportedly risen to $3,000 or more.

Have a sighting? Email Hoboken Patch or post it below.