Father, son enjoy historic soccer moment in historic low temps

by Bill Althaus. Grain Valley News

When Danny Stickley surprised his son Gage with tickets to the Sporting KC vs. Inter Miami game at Children's Mercy Park, he had no idea that they would be part of a historic moment that defined the extremes professional players, and their fans, must endure while attending a game played in February in Kansas.

With temperatures dipping to -14 international soccer icon Lionel Messi took the field, much to the delight of Danny and Gage, and scored the lone goal in a 1-0 Inter Miami win.

"I bought the tickets in January for the game, and had no idea how cold it was going to be," Stickley said. "But looking back on it, it was pretty cool that we attended the game and Messi scored the only goal. We've got a story to tell for years to come."

Gage was smiling from ear to ear when asked about the game, the weather and attending with his father.

"It was super fun," Gage said. "Messi scored the only goal - which was awesome - I got to go to the game with my dad, which made it even more special, and we survived the cold. I'd say we got our money's worth."

Danny agreed, adding that his main concern was the weather.

"I've never been in weather like that before," Stickley said. "So my wife Sara and I made sure Gage and I dressed warm enough that we could watch the game and not freeze."

Their attire included long johns, bib overalls, heavy coats and boots, hand and boot warmers, stocking caps and blankets.

Because Gage breathed through his stocking cap/mask, ice crystals froze near the bottom of the mask.

"I didn't have trouble breathing," Gage said, "but my mask was all icy. I can't even tell you how cold it was, but we dressed warm and the weather was never really an issue for us."

However, as they looked around the stands the father-son duo couldn't believe the attire other fans wore.

"There were fans in jeans," Danny said. "They had to be cold. And some of the fans weren't wearing gloves. It was pretty crazy."

Danny and Gage survived the elements, and created a lasting memory they will share forever.

"It was one of those cool moments we'll always remember," Danny said. "Before the game, we were both worried that Messi might not play because of the cold weather. We would understand that, but he proved with a professional he is, because everyone was there to see him play.

"And to have him score a goal was amazing. The fans were chanting, 'Messi! Messi! Messi!'  We'll never forget it."

​Longtime Grain Valley resident Danny Stickley and his son Gage braved the frigid cold to watch international soccer icon Lionel Messi star in a game against Sporting KC where the temperature dipped to -14. Messi scored the lone goal in the game to lead Inter Miami to a 1-0 victory. Photo credit: Danny Stickley

Gage Stickley's face mask was covered in ice crystals as he and his father watched Lionel Messi play at Children's Mercy Hospital in -14 weather. Photo credit: Danny Stickley