It’s a rare occurrence when soccer’s arguable greatest player graces Denver.
The Colorado Rapids are preparing to host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver this Saturday. This encounter is expected to be Messi’s inaugural game in Colorado. Here’s your essential guide.
Will Messi Play in Denver?
Major League Soccer teams frequently opt to rest their star players when visiting Denver’s high altitude. For example, Inter Miami’s co-owner, David Beckham, famously bypassed several games in Colorado during his Los Angeles Galaxy career, citing fatigue or injury. While Messi’s participation isn’t guaranteed, several encouraging indicators suggest a strong likelihood of him taking the field on Saturday.
Messi has started and completed the full 90 minutes in each of Miami’s last four matches. A video shared on Miami’s X account on Wednesday showed Messi looking fit and actively training. Inter Miami’s elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup last month also reduced what could have been a more demanding schedule for the South Florida club this month.
Furthermore, this game is designated as Colorado’s 30th Anniversary match, and Messi’s image has been featured prominently in its promotions. The match is also being highlighted by broadcaster Apple TV as the sole MLS game scheduled in its time slot.
How to Obtain Tickets to See Messi in Denver?
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster, with prices commencing at $80. Last week, the Rapids announced on Instagram that 60,000 tickets had already been sold for the event.
Could This Match Set a Record Attendance for the Rapids?
There’s a possibility that the 30th Anniversary match against Inter Miami could establish a new single-game attendance record for the Rapids. The club’s current record stands at 61,213, set on July 4, 2002, when the club played its home games at the Broncos’ stadium, prior to relocating to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City.
What Time is Kickoff?
The match is slated to commence at 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time.
What’s the Weather Forecast for the Match?
The National Weather Service forecasts overnight temperatures at Empower Field to drop to approximately 22 degrees, but the day will see a gradual warm-up. Projections indicate temperatures around 40 degrees by 10 a.m., 49 degrees by noon, reaching 55 degrees by the 2:30 p.m. kickoff, and potentially climbing to 60 degrees under sunny skies by the final whistle.
How Are the Rapids Performing This Year?
Colorado has experienced a resurgence this season under first-year coach Matt Wells. They currently hold the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings and are demonstrating an exciting brand of soccer. Their 19 goals scored in seven matches tie for the most in MLS, but they’ve also conceded 12 goals this season, leading to some high-scoring, entertaining contests.
The Rapids recently secured a decisive 6-2 victory against Houston on Saturday, a scoreline that equaled the most goals the club has ever scored in a league match. They also defeated USL League 1 team Union Omaha 1-0 on Tuesday in a U.S. Open Cup match.
Is Inter Miami a Strong Team?
Inter Miami are the reigning MLS Cup Champions and currently sit third in the Eastern Conference standings. Their matches have also been high-scoring and entertaining, with 13 goals scored and 12 conceded.
However, Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano departed the club this week and will be succeeded by the club’s sporting director, Guillermo Hoyos.
Who Are the Rapids’ Key Players?
Colorado’s attack is spearheaded by Brazilian striker Rafael Navarro, who was named MLS player of the week last week after a two-goal, one-assist performance against Houston. He has 5 goals and 3 assists this season and has led the club in scoring in each of the past two seasons.
The Rapids also feature American attacking midfielder Paxten Aaronson, acquired in August for a reported club-record fee of $7 million. Aaronson has recorded 3 goals and 1 assist in seven league games this year.
Additionally, Colorado boasts 18-year-old center back Lucas Herrington, who received his first call-up to the Australian National Team last month and is a contender to represent the Socceroos at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Who Are Inter Miami’s Star Players?
Messi is arguably the greatest player of all time. He has secured the Ballon d’Or eight times, lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy four times, and captained Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup.
Messi is joined by fellow countryman Rodrigo De Paul, a midfielder who also triumphed in the 2022 World Cup. De Paul transferred to Inter Miami from Atletico Madrid last summer.
Luis Suarez, a former teammate of Messi at FC Barcelona, is widely regarded as one of history’s best strikers, boasting over 600 goals and 300 assists in club and international play. He also excelled at Liverpool and holds the record as Uruguay’s all-time leading goal scorer. However, at 39 years old, Suarez’s illustrious playing career is drawing to a close.
Will There Be a Halftime Show at the Rapids vs. Inter Miami Game?
Yes. Lane 8, a Denver-based DJ, is scheduled to perform at halftime.
Directions to Empower Field at Mile High
Empower Field is accessible via public transportation by taking the E or W line to Mile High Station. Bus routes 30, 31, 1 15L, and 16 also service areas surrounding the stadium.
Rideshare services have designated drop-off and pick-up zones near the stadium. Drop-off is located at the NE corner of the stadium near Gate 5, and pick-up is at 5th and Walnut Street at the Ball Arena Rideshare lot, approximately a 15-minute walk from Empower Field.
Bike racks are available around the stadium, though scooters are prohibited on the perimeter sidewalks.
Parking is offered and must be purchased in advance on Ticketmaster. As of publication time, permits were still available, starting at $43. Parking lots will open at 10:30 a.m.
Please note that the Denver Nuggets will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series at 1:30 p.m., so heavy traffic is anticipated in the area.
Is an Organized Tailgate Planned for the Match?
A Fan Fest is scheduled to commence on Mane Street at 10:30 a.m.
The Rapids supporters group, Centennial 38, has also arranged a tailgate in Lot C, beginning at 11 a.m. Tickets are available for a $10 donation and require advance purchase for entry. Food, non-alcoholic beverages, and music will be provided; however, this is a BYOB event.
What Time Do Stadium Gates Open?
Gates will open at 12:30 p.m., two hours prior to kickoff.
How to Participate in the March to the Match?
Fans will convene at the Centennial 38 tailgate in Lot C at 1:15 p.m. for an organized March to the Match at 1:30 p.m., entering through Gate 10.
What Items Are Permitted in the Stadium?
The match will adhere to the NFL’s clear bag policy. Click here for a comprehensive list of approved and prohibited items.