Since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, several MLS matches have been relocated to larger arenas to accommodate the increased number of fans eager to see the Argentine star.
D.C. United has taken a similar step by moving Saturday’s match against Inter Miami to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, which can hold 71,000 fans.
This game features the defending MLS champions, Inter Miami (1-1-0, 3 points), against D.C. United (1-1-0, 3 points), who had the league’s poorest record last season.
“(Messi) is probably the best player ever. He’s helping to grow our league,” said D.C. midfielder Jackson Hopkins. “It’s a chance for us to compete with each other. We can beat him, too, so it’s an excellent opportunity for everyone.”
Miami had a tough start this season, losing 3-0 to Los Angeles FC in front of the second-largest crowd in MLS history (75,673) and trailing 2-0 at halftime against Orlando City on Sunday night.
However, Miami made a comeback, winning 4-2, with Messi scoring twice and Telasco Segovia contributing the go-ahead goal along with two assists.
“What I admire about him is his drive to win,” said Segovia about Messi. “He has achieved everything, yet he continues to strive for more. That’s what impresses me most.”
D.C. United, which allowed the most goals (66) in the Eastern Conference last season, has conceded only one goal this season. That goal occurred during a 1-0 loss to Austin FC on Sunday.
D.C. won its opening match thanks to Tai Baribo, who scored the only goal against Philadelphia Union, his former team.
During their trip north, Inter Miami stopped by the White House on Thursday. The team gave President Donald Trump an Inter Miami jersey featuring his name and the number 47.
Against D.C., Miami is expected to have back some players who missed the trip to Los Angeles: striker Luis Suarez (knee tendinitis), midfielder David Ayala (family loss), and defender Sergio Reguilon (knee).
Moving the match to Baltimore aims to boost soccer in the region, according to D.C. United CEO Jason Levien. He has been advocating for Maryland leaders to construct a 12,000-seat stadium to eventually attract a women’s pro team and possibly an MLS franchise.
“We’re building up the soccer infrastructure in the DMV,” Levien told Axios. “The demand is there to fill the stadium, showing passion for soccer in Maryland.”