Rapids Aim to Capitalize on Messi’s Inter Miami Visit to Empower Field

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 18, 2026 4:09 PM ET

Rapids Aim to Capitalize on Messi’s Inter Miami Visit to Empower Field

Marcelo Balboa remembers the first time the Colorado Rapids stepped onto Mile High Stadium. He arrived in 1996 from Club León in Mexico and saw about 21,000 fans watch a 3-1 victory over the Dallas Burn.

MLS launched with 10 teams and concentrated ownership. The league survived early uncertainty and grew substantially.

From precarious roots to major growth

Early MLS leaders treated the first years as repeated trials. Success or failure in three-year windows shaped the league’s future.

By 2025, MLS expanded to 30 teams. Sportico reported an average club valuation of $767 million in February.

Milestone match at Empower Field

To mark the Rapids’ 30th anniversary, the club moved Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. kickoff to Empower Field at Mile High. The club sold more than 70,000 tickets, nearing stadium capacity and setting a new attendance mark.

Rapids form and coaching

Matt Wells is the Rapids’ head coach in his first top-level job. The 37-year-old has seen his team score 19 goals in seven games, tied with Vancouver for most in MLS.

Colorado sits sixth in the Western Conference. Their results are four wins and three losses, with no draws so far.

Tactical approach and local relevance

Wells has restored an aggressive, high-press style. He says the team must play its principles and win from minute one.

The Rapids aim to capitalize on Messi’s visit and Inter Miami’s appearance at Empower Field. Club plans to redo the brand and crest are meant to rekindle interest in Denver.

Inter Miami’s situation

Inter Miami enter the match as defending MLS Cup champions. Javier Mascherano left this week and Guillermo Hoyos took over as interim coach.

Miami sits third in the Eastern Conference. The team has 13 goals in seven games but still fields stars like Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez.