Messi Leads Inter Miami to Victory Over D.C. United in Baltimore

72,000 fans pack M&T Bank Stadium to witness soccer superstar's performance

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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A sold-out crowd of over 72,000 soccer fans packed M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore to watch Major League Soccer's D.C. United take on Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF team, who won the match 2-1. The game was one of the most attended in MLS history, drawing fans eager to see one of the world's best players perform in their own backyard. However, the influx of fans also caused major traffic issues in the Federal Hill neighborhood surrounding the stadium.

Why it matters

Messi's appearance in Baltimore is a major coup for the city, drawing massive crowds and boosting the local economy. It also highlights the growing popularity of soccer in the United States and the MLS's efforts to expand the sport's reach, including plans to bring a professional team and youth academy to Baltimore.

The details

Despite the traffic chaos, fans were thrilled to witness Messi in action, with one fan saying it was a "dream come true" to see the soccer superstar play in person. Businesses in the Federal Hill area also reported a major boost in sales, with one pub manager stating it was one of their busiest days in months. The game also provided an opportunity for local soccer players to learn from Messi's style of play.

  • The match took place on March 8, 2026 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
  • Messi scored his 899th professional goal during the match, closing in on Cristiano Ronaldo's active record of 900 goals.

The players

Lionel Messi

Argentinian soccer superstar and forward for Inter Miami CF.

D.C. United

Major League Soccer team based in Washington, D.C. that hosted the match against Inter Miami CF.

Inter Miami CF

Major League Soccer team co-owned by David Beckham that features Lionel Messi.

Brandon Scott

Mayor of Baltimore who announced plans to support a professional women's soccer team, a minor league men's team, and a youth academy in the city.

Jason Levien

CEO of D.C. United who announced plans to bring a professional team and youth academy to Baltimore.

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What they’re saying

“I used to run to the TV after school to watch him play soccer with Barcelona. To see him play today against DC United for the Miami team was a dream come true. Was a movie for me.”

— Anibal Saenz, Rockville resident (cbsnews.com)

“It said we were going to get here at 4:37… and we got here at 5:43. It's 6 now, and we're not even at the stadium.”

— Zelda and Sam Snellgrove (cbsnews.com)

“We've been planning for this for months. January, February, are pretty rough. It's cold. People are saving money and New Year's resolutions, so this is kind of one of the first big days we've had in a while where people were out all day long. They're enjoying themselves, and it's good for us. We make a lot of money, and we have a good time.”

— William Thornhill, MaGerk's Pub in Federal Hill (cbsnews.com)

“Something else that's kind of like off of the NFL season but still draws such a big crowd. I think it's huge for the city, for the businesses, for the people here in Baltimore, and anything we can do to support the local economy is a great thing.”

— Brian Anley, Silver Spring resident (cbsnews.com)

“I get to learn a lot from how him and his team cooperate… that makes me a better soccer player in general.”

— Joshua Freaney, Baltimore resident (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and D.C. United CEO Jason Levien announced plans to support a professional women's soccer team, a minor league men's team, and a youth academy in Baltimore, centered around the construction of a new 7,500-seat stadium that would cost about $200 million. NBA legend and Baltimore native Carmelo Anthony would be one of the owners of the project.

The takeaway

Messi's appearance in Baltimore not only drew massive crowds and boosted the local economy, but also highlighted the growing popularity of soccer in the United States and the MLS's efforts to expand the sport's reach, including plans to bring a professional team and youth academy to the city. This event showcases Baltimore's potential as a hub for soccer in the region.