Inter Miami Capitalizes on Messi's Rescheduled Visit to DC United

DC United moved Messi's appearance, but Inter Miami took full advantage of the change in plans.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Lionel Messi's highly anticipated visit to play against DC United was rescheduled, but that didn't stop Inter Miami from taking full advantage of the situation. Fans gathered outside Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, eager to catch a glimpse of the soccer superstar, even though the match was not taking place as originally planned.

Why it matters

Messi's move to MLS has generated immense excitement and interest, and his appearances are major events that draw large crowds. When DC United rescheduled Messi's visit, it created an opportunity for Inter Miami to capitalize on the situation and gain more exposure and fan engagement.

The details

DC United had originally planned to host Messi and his team, but the match was moved to a different date. This allowed Inter Miami, Messi's current team, to schedule a match at the same venue on the same day, giving fans a chance to see the soccer superstar in action even though he wasn't playing against DC United as originally planned.

  • The match between Inter Miami and DC United took place on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Messi's original visit to play against DC United was rescheduled to a different date.

The players

Lionel Messi

A legendary Argentine soccer player who recently joined Major League Soccer (MLS) to play for Inter Miami.

Inter Miami

A professional soccer team based in Miami, Florida that competes in MLS.

DC United

A professional soccer team based in Washington, D.C. that competes in MLS.

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What they’re saying

“The pregame scene outside Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday likely felt familiar to anybody who has followed Lionel Messi's time in Major League Soccer.”

— Pablo Iglesias Maurer (Yahoo Daily News)

The takeaway

This situation highlights the immense draw and popularity of Lionel Messi, even when he is not playing against the originally scheduled opponent. Inter Miami was able to capitalize on the rescheduled match to gain more exposure and fan engagement, demonstrating the significant impact Messi's presence can have on MLS matches.