Lionel Messi set for another record as Inter Miami begin new era in Denver
Inter Miami start a fresh chapter after Javier Mascherano’s departure as a huge crowd awaits at the Broncos’ Mile High Stadium.
A fresh start arrives for Inter Miami in what has been a turbulent season for the Fort Lauderdale club. After crashing out of the Concacaf Champions Cup against Nashville, the Herons slipped into another rough patch following the departure of head coach Javier Mascherano, who stepped down citing personal reasons.
Now, Inter Miami turns the page on Saturday, beginning a new chapter under interim manager Guillermo Hoyos. His immediate task is clear, steady the team and deliver a long-awaited win after back-to-back home games without victory at Chase Stadium.
Luis Suárez question mark
Hoyos’ first match in charge comes with limitations. Inter Miami will be without three injured players, David Ayala, Sergio Reguilon, and Tadeo Allende, all still sidelined.
There are also expected to be tactical tweaks. Unlike the setup favored by Mascherano, Hoyos could shuffle his starting lineup, particularly in attack. The biggest question centers on whether Luis Suárez returns to the starting XI, potentially replacing Germán Berterame in the frontline against Colorado.
Messi draws another massive crowd
As has become routine since Lionel Messi’s arrival in MLS, Inter Miami’s road games are turning into marquee events. This time, the Herons will face the Colorado Rapids at Empower Field at Mile High, home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos, which holds 76,125 fans.
Colorado has already sold more than 70,000 tickets, with a sellout within reach. If confirmed, it would mark yet another attendance record for Messi during his time in MLS.
Rapids riding momentum
Colorado enters the matchup riding high after a dominant 6-2 win over the Houston Dynamo. Still, inconsistency has defined their season. Just one game earlier, they suffered a loss on the road to Toronto FC, after previously cruising past Sporting Kansas City.
That uneven form makes Saturday’s clash difficult to predict, especially against a Miami side looking to reset under new leadership.
Projected lineups for Colorado Rapids vs Inter Miami
Colorado Rapids
Zack Steffen; Jackson Travis, Andreas Maxso, Ryan Hollingshead, Sam Vines; Josh Atencio, Connor Ronan; Darren Yapi, Cole Bassett, Kevin Cabral; Rafael Navarro.
Inter Miami
Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maxi Falcon, Micael, Facundo Mura; Yannick Bright, Rodrigo De Paul, Telasco Segovia; Mateo Silvetti, Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez.
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