MLS Seattle Sounders FC

Lionel Messi Reaches New Heights in Seattle

Published on August 4, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release


SEATTLE (Tuesday, August 4, 2009) - To commemorate FC Barcelona's 2009 U.S. Tour, Argentine striker Lionel Messi today participated in one of the most unique photo opportunities to emerge from the city of Seattle. The 22-year-old, considered by many to be the world's greatest player, made the trek to the roof of Seattle's historic Space Needle where he showcased a commemorative scarf featuring the team marks of both FC Barcelona and Seattle Sounders FC. He then visited the famed observation deck, where he juggled the ball to the delight of the tourists visiting the landmark.

Messi took a scenic elevator to the observation deck and climbed three flights of steep stairs to the rooftop the 605-foot tall Space Needle, where a helicopter hovered overhead to capture the images which have since circulated around the world.

The team's visit will be further commemorated tonight when the iconic Seattle beacon will be lit in the colors of the club, blue and red.

From the roof, Messi moved to the 520-foot Observatory Deck, which has a 360 degree view of the city. The Argentine striker juggled the ball to the delight of the Space Needle visitors, who immediately began to snap photos and get autographs.

The Space Needle was built in 1962 in time for Seattle's World Fair, and has remained the city's main attraction. The image of the Needle is incorporated into the logo of Seattle Sounders FC, the successful MLS expansion club which faces FC Barcelona on Wednesday at sold-out Quest Field.

FC Barcelona, at its second stop in the 2009 U.S. Tour, will face MLS' Seattle Sounders FC in a sold-out international match at Qwest Field tomorrow on nearly 68,000 people, Wednesday, August 5. Barça defeated the LA Galaxy 2-1 in a memorable match at the historic Rose Bowl, where more than 93,000 watched the game, the most fans to attend a soccer game in the United States since the 1994 FIFA World Cup. FC Barcelona continues on to San Francisco, to face CD Guadalajara on Saturday, August 8 at Candlestick Park.

For more photos of Lionel Messi at the Space Needle including helicopter views, please download from the following FTP:

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Major League Soccer Stories from August 4, 2009


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