Nov 20, 2025 - Sports

Messi slated to play in Colorado next season

Esteban L. Hernandez

Two soccer players run forward, with one man wearing a pink jersey and the other wearing a burgundy-colored jersey. — Lionel Messi dribbles past Colorado Rapids forward Rafael Navarro during a 2024 game at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Photo: Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Superstar Lionel Messi — considered by many as the greatest soccer player of all time — is set to make his Colorado debut in the MLS next season.

Why it matters: Messi's appeal extends beyond Major League Soccer — he's the most decorated player in the sport's history, and one of the most famous people in the world.

Driving the news: The Colorado Rapids are scheduled to host the Argentine forward's club, Inter Miami, on April 18, per a Wednesday statement from the Rapids.

State of play: The game will mark the 30th anniversary of the Rapids' inaugural season, and is the first time Inter Miami, co-owned by former soccer superstar David Beckham, will visit Colorado.

The Rapids will try to rebound next season after a deeply disappointing 2025 campaign that prompted their head coach's firing.

Zoom in: Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after spending two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain in the French Ligue 1.

The league's highest-paid player by a wide margin, Messi signed a contract extension to stay with Inter Miami through 2028 last month.

Between the lines: The U.S. will host the FIFA World Cup along with Mexico and Canada next year, spurring an MLS pause from May 25 to July 16.

What's next: The Rapids say the best way to guarantee tickets for the highly-anticipated match against Messi's club will be through its season ticket membership.

Colorado kicks off the MLS season on Feb. 22 at the Seattle Sounders.

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Messi slated to play in Colorado next season

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