Leo Messi praises 'tremendous atmosphere' at Broncos' stadium after historic MLS match

The Colorado Rapids hosted Leo Messi and Inter Miami at Empower Field at Mile High, home of the Denver Broncos, on Saturday afternoon.

The Rapids, who usually play home matches at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, hosted the Herons at Empower Field to celebrate their 30th anniversary, recognizing their inaugural match at Mile High Stadium on April 21, 1996. Colorado defeated the Dallas Burn 3-1 in that inaugural home match. Messi spoiled Saturday's anniversary celebration with two goals in Miami's 3-2 win over the Rapids.

After the game, the World Cup winner took to Instagram with this caption: "Victoria importante y tremendo ambiente en la cancha. ✅🙌. That essentially translates to, "An important victory and a tremendous atmosphere [at the stadium]."

Empower Field hosted 75,824 fans for Saturday's game, making it the second-highest attended game in MLS history. Messi, of course, was the big draw. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner took home MLS MVP and MLS Cup final MVP honors following the 2025 season. He joined MLS in 2023 and quickly won Leagues Cup (2023) and Supporters' Shield (2024) trophies before winning MLS Cup with the Herons in 2025.

The Colorado-Miami showdown wasn't the only soccer match that drew a big crowd at the Broncos' stadium this spring. Denver Summit FC, an expansion team in the National Women's Soccer League, hosted more than 63,000 fans for its inaugural home game on March 28, . Former quarterback Peyton Manning is .