Colorado Rapids set to break attendance record for Lionel Messi showdown

The MLS club has sold over 60,000 tickets for the match against Inter Miami at Empower Field at Mile High.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-inspired painting depicting the dynamic action of a soccer match, with players and the field rendered in sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and vibrant colors.The Colorado Rapids' highly anticipated showdown with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami promises to be a visually captivating clash of styles and star power.Commerce City Today

The Colorado Rapids have sold more than 60,000 tickets for their upcoming MLS match against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami at Empower Field at Mile High, putting the club within striking distance of its all-time attendance record. The match, which doubles as the Rapids' 30th anniversary celebration, has generated immense demand due to the presence of global superstar Messi making his Colorado debut.

Why it matters

The Rapids' ticket sales surge underscores the growing popularity of soccer in Colorado, with the state emerging as one of the nation's hungriest markets for the sport. The match is the latest in a series of high-profile soccer events in the state, including the Denver Summit FC's NWSL record-breaking debut and the U.S. Women's National Team's continued success at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

The details

The Rapids have moved the match from their usual home at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, which seats around 18,000, to the larger Empower Field at Mile High, which can accommodate up to 76,000 fans. The club's current attendance record of 61,213 was set in 2002 against the Chicago Fire, and with ticket sales already past 60,000 and climbing, the Rapids are poised to shatter that mark on Saturday.

  • The match will be played on April 18, 2026.
  • The Rapids' inaugural home game at the original Mile High Stadium was played three decades ago.

The players

Lionel Messi

An Argentine soccer superstar widely considered the greatest player of his generation, who is making his Colorado MLS debut with Inter Miami.

Luis Suárez

A Uruguayan striker playing for Inter Miami.

Rodrigo De Paul

An Argentine midfielder playing for Inter Miami.

Colorado Rapids

One of the 10 founding MLS clubs, celebrating their 30th anniversary.

Denver Summit FC

An expansion NWSL club whose minority investors include Peyton Manning and Mikaela Shiffrin, planning to open a new 14,500-seat stadium in Denver by 2028.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Rapids' current attendance record stands at 61,213, set on July 4, 2002, against the Chicago Fire at the same venue. With ticket sales already past 60,000 and climbing, the club could shatter that 24-year-old mark on Saturday.

The takeaway

The Colorado Rapids' ticket sales surge for the Lionel Messi showdown highlights the state's growing passion for soccer, with the Rapids' 30th anniversary match set to potentially break the club's long-standing attendance record. This event is the latest in a series of high-profile soccer moments in Colorado, signaling the region's emergence as one of the nation's most enthusiastic markets for the sport.