Assessing Sporting KC’s season-opening draw + awaiting Kansas City’s Messi Moment

Blair Kerkhoff
·1 min read

Sporting KC’s season opener, a 1-1 draw at Houston last weekend, is a reminder of just how much is happening around the Kansas City soccer scene.

In two weeks, the KC Current of the NWSL will open a new season at a new stadium. The following month, Sporting KC will play host to Miami and Lionel Messi at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. And the FIFA 2026 World Cup games are never far from mind.

But on this SportsBeat KC podcast, we’re discussing Sporting KC. Columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Daniel Sperry are joined by special guest Nate Bukaty, a co-host on SportsRadio 810 WHB and now a member of the MLS national-soccer broadcast team for Apple TV and Fox.

We talk about Sporting’s season prospects and what it will mean to have Messi come to Kansas City.

After a break, you’ll hear from Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes and captain Johnny Russell, who shares, among other things, what he enjoys most about being a Chiefs season-ticket holder.