The upcoming match between Inter Miami CF and Colorado Rapids on April 18, 2026, is poised to be a significant event in Major League Soccer (MLS). With Lionel Messi at the helm, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Fans are buzzing with anticipation as this clash could feature one of the largest standalone attendances in MLS history—potentially exceeding the seating capacity of 76,000 at Empower Field.
Why does this matter? Well, Messi has already made waves in his first six MLS games of the season, scoring five goals. His performance has not only elevated Inter Miami’s profile but also intensified interest in MLS as a whole. Conversely, Colorado Rapids have demonstrated impressive form with a record of 4 wins and 3 losses, making them formidable opponents.
The match will kick off at 4:30 p.m. ET, and both teams are eager for victory. Inter Miami comes into this contest with a record of 3 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws. Their last encounter against Colorado ended in a thrilling 3-2 win for Inter Miami, where Messi notably scored two goals.
This season has been particularly fruitful for Colorado as they have netted a Western Conference-best 19 goals, showcasing their offensive prowess. Under head coach Matt Wells, they’ve developed a strong attacking strategy that could challenge Inter Miami’s defense.
Yet, it’s not all smooth sailing for Inter Miami. The team recently faced setbacks; they bowed out of the Concacaf Champions Cup against Nashville SC and saw Javier Mascherano leave for personal reasons. These developments could impact team morale.
The atmosphere at Empower Field is expected to be electric—fans are ready to witness what could be a historic match. With both teams bringing their best players to the pitch, including Germán Berterame who recently scored his first MLS goal against Red Bull New York, every moment will count.
Details remain unconfirmed about any last-minute changes or injuries that could affect player lineups. However, as match day approaches, all eyes will be on how Messi leads his team against a competitive Colorado side.