Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals Surprise Local Youth with Tickets to Messi Game

Players stopped by a youth soccer club practice to gift tickets to an upcoming match against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals players visited a local youth soccer club practice and surprised the kids by gifting them tickets to an upcoming RSL match against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami club. The players announced the surprise tickets, which also included tickets to a Utah Royals FC game, leaving the young players excited and cheering.

Why it matters

This gesture by the local professional soccer teams demonstrates their commitment to engaging with the community and providing opportunities for young fans to experience live matches, especially against high-profile players like Messi. It helps build enthusiasm for the sport and the local teams among the next generation of fans.

The details

During the youth club's practice, RSL defender Justen Glad and other players announced they would be giving the kids tickets to the RSL vs. Inter Miami match on April 22, where they would get to see soccer superstar Lionel Messi play. The club president, John Kimball, said the Millers, who own both RSL and the Utah Royals, want to give back to the community and ensure everyone has a chance to attend the games.

  • The surprise ticket giveaway took place during a local youth soccer club practice.
  • The RSL vs. Inter Miami match featuring Lionel Messi is scheduled for April 22, 2026.

The players

Justen Glad

A defender for Real Salt Lake.

John Kimball

The president of the local youth soccer club.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We just wanted to invite you, on behalf of RSL and the Royals, we're going to give you tickets to our game against Inter Miami. Come watch us play the G.O.A.T.”

— Justen Glad, RSL Defender

“The Millers want to give back to the community. They want everybody to feel like they have an opportunity to come out to games. It's important to us as an organization, and with the men's and women's professional teams this year, we're excited for this season.”

— John Kimball, Club President

What’s next

The youth soccer club players will attend the RSL vs. Inter Miami match featuring Lionel Messi on April 22, 2026.

The takeaway

This ticket giveaway by Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals demonstrates the teams' commitment to engaging with the local community and providing young fans access to see top-level soccer, including the chance to witness the legendary Lionel Messi in person.