It’s a rare occasion to have arguably the greatest soccer player of all time visiting Denver.
The Colorado Rapids are preparing to host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver this Saturday. This event is anticipated to be Messi’s inaugural match in Colorado. Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know.
Is Messi Expected to Play in Denver?
Major League Soccer teams have a history of resting key players when traveling to Denver’s high altitude. For example, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham famously missed several games in Colorado during his time with the Los Angeles Galaxy due to perceived fatigue or injury risks. While Messi’s participation isn’t guaranteed, several positive indicators suggest a strong likelihood he will be on the field Saturday.
Messi has consistently started and completed the full 90 minutes in Miami’s last four matches. A video shared on Miami’s X account on Wednesday showed him appearing fit and engaged in training. Inter Miami’s recent elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup has also lightened what could have been a more demanding schedule for the South Florida club this month.
Furthermore, the game is being promoted as Colorado’s 30th Anniversary match, with Messi’s image prominently featured in promotional materials. The game is also a flagship broadcast for Apple TV, as it’s the sole MLS fixture scheduled during its time slot.
How Can I Acquire Tickets to Witness Messi in Denver?
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster, with prices commencing at $80. Last week, the Rapids announced on Instagram that 60,000 tickets for the match had already been sold.
Could This Match Establish a New Attendance Record for the Rapids?
It is conceivable that the 30th Anniversary match against Inter Miami could break the Rapids’ single-game attendance record. The club stated its current record stands at 61,213, achieved on July 4, 2002, when the club played its home games at the Broncos’ stadium before 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 are the Weather Forecasts for the Game?
The National Weather Service predicts that overnight lows at Empower Field will dip to approximately 22 degrees, but temperatures are expected to rise steadily throughout the day. Projections indicate about 40 degrees by 10 a.m., 49 degrees by noon, and 55 degrees by the 2:30 p.m. kickoff, potentially reaching 60 degrees under sunny skies by the final whistle.
How Are the Rapids Performing This Season?
Under first-year coach Matt Wells, Colorado has experienced a resurgence this season. They currently hold sixth place in the Western Conference standings and are showcasing an exciting style of soccer. Their 19 goals scored in seven matches tie for the most in MLS, but they have also conceded 12 goals this season, leading to several high-scoring, entertaining contests.
The Rapids are coming off a dominant 6-2 victory against Houston on Saturday, a result that tied the club’s record for most goals scored in a league match. They also secured a 1-0 win against USL League 1 team Union Omaha on Tuesday in a U.S. Open Cup fixture.
Is Inter Miami a Strong Team?
Inter Miami are the reigning MLS Cup Champions and currently occupy third place in the Eastern Conference standings. They, too, have been involved in high-scoring, captivating matches, having netted 13 goals and conceded 12.
However, Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano departed the club this week, with the club’s sporting director, Guillermo Hoyos, stepping in as his replacement.
Who are the Key Players for the Rapids?
Colorado’s attack is spearheaded by Brazilian striker Rafael Navarro, who was named MLS Player of the Week last week following a two-goal, one-assist performance against Houston. He has accumulated 5 goals and 3 assists this season and has been the club’s leading scorer for the past two seasons.
The Rapids also boast American attacking midfielder Paxten Aaronson, acquired in August for a reported club-record fee of $7 million. Aaronson has contributed 3 goals and 1 assist in seven league games this year.
Colorado also features 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 Standout Players?
Messi is widely regarded as 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 won the 2022 World Cup. De Paul transferred to Inter Miami from Atletico Madrid last summer.
Luis Suarez, a former teammate of Messi’s at FC Barcelona, is celebrated as one of history’s finest strikers, with over 600 goals and 300 assists in club and international competitions. He also excelled at Liverpool and holds the record as Uruguay’s all-time leading goal scorer. However, at 39 years old, Suarez is nearing the conclusion of his playing career.
Will There Be a Halftime Performance at the Rapids vs. Inter Miami Game?
Yes. Denver-based DJ Lane 8 is slated to perform at halftime.
What Are the Best Ways to Reach 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 in the Ball Arena Rideshare lot, approximately a 15-minute walk from Empower Field.
Bike racks are available around the stadium, but scooters are prohibited on the perimeter sidewalks.
Parking is available and must be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster. Permits were still obtainable as of the publication time, starting at $43. Parking lots open at 10:30 a.m.
Please note that the Denver Nuggets will be hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series at 1:30 p.m., so expect significant traffic congestion in the vicinity.
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, requiring a $10 donation, must be purchased in advance for entry. The event will feature food, non-alcoholic beverages, and music; however, it is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) event.
When Do Stadium Gates Open?
Gates will open at 12:30 p.m., two hours before kickoff.
How Can I Participate in the March to the Match?
Fans will congregate 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., with entry through Gate 10.
What Items Are Permitted Inside the Stadium?
The match will observe the NFL’s clear bag policy. Click here for a comprehensive list of approved and prohibited items.