Originally posted on the Northwestern University Athletics site, July 5, 2013

EVANSTON, Ill. – There will be a heavy Northwestern men’s soccer presence at the Messi & Friends vs. the Rest of the World match Saturday, July 6 at Soldier Field. NU head coach Tim Lenahan was selected as an assistant coach for one of the squads, while a number of former Wildcat greats such as David Roth,Matt Eliason, Mark Blades and Gerardo Alvarez, will play alongside some of the best professional players in the world.

"What a great thrill for our former players to play in a game like this,” Lenahan said. “Dave Roth, Matt Eliason, Mark Blades and Gerardo Alvarez are four of the best players to play at Northwestern. And this is a just reward for all they did to help build this program."

"For me as a coach, it is just a thrill to be around so many good players especially Lionel Messi. The real thrill however is to be able to coach Santiago Solari and some of our former players again. Santiago played for me at Richard Stockton in 1994 and this helps to connect a career's worth of coaching. To be able to be a part of this type of game with a number of former players playing in this game - well I can't explain how honored I am. I don't use the word amazing often - but this will be amazing.”

Alvarez (2003-06), Blades (2006-09), Eliason (2007-10) and Roth (2004-07) were four of the most decorated players in NU men’s soccer history. A two-time All-Big Ten honoree and 2003 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Alvarez was a part of the program’s first trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2004 and was with the squad in 2006 as the Wildcats advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals. Blades was a two-time NSCAA All-American, three-time All-Big Ten selection and helped lead the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament in each of his four seasons.

Roth was the first NSCAA All-America honoree in program history, a three-time All-Big Ten honoree and still maintains the program record for assists in a season (14) and in his career (32). Eliason, a three-time All-Big Ten selection, holds the NU record for career goals (33) and career points (82).

Solari played under Lenahan during his tenure at Richard Stockton and went on to play at Real Madrid, where he won a Champions League title in 2002.

Entering his 13th season at the helm of Northwestern, Lenahan has guided the Wildcats to seven NCAA Tournament appearances and Big Ten regular-season titles in back-to-back years. 

Organized by one of the best players in professional soccer, Lionel Messi, Saturday’s event features a number of players from all over the world and they all will come together for an exhibition match at Soldier Field. Fans who are unable to attend can watch Lenahan and the generations of Wildcat players live on ESPN at 6 p.m. CT.

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