Colorado Rapids vs Inter Miami LIVE: Messi starts! MLS Matchday 8

The Colorado Rapids and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami face off at Empower Field for Matchday 8 of the MLS. Stay here for all the minute-by-minute updates of this major clash!

Updated on April 18, 2026 04:02PM EDT

**© Getty Images**Keegan Rosenberry of the Colorado Rapids and Lionel Messi of Inter Miami.

Empower Field is set to host a high-stakes showdown as the Colorado Rapids take on Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami for Matchday 8 of the MLS season. Both clubs are currently battling to climb into the top spots of their respective conferences.

The Colorado Rapids enter this matchup in excellent form, riding a two-game winning streak. Their recent run includes a dominant 6-2 thrashing of Houston Dynamo at home and a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Union Omaha in the Round of 32 of the U.S. Open Cup.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami travel to Colorado still searching for their first win at their new venue, Nu Stadium, following consecutive 2-2 draws against Austin FC and the NY Red Bulls. The Herons also arrive with a new face on the touchline: Guillermo Hoyos has taken the helm as head coach, replacing Javier Mascherano, who recently stepped down from his position.

04:00PM

Inter Miami lineup confirmed!

Miami's starting XI: St. Clair; Lujan, Falcon, Silva, Mura; De Paul, Bright; Silvetti, Messi, Segovia; Berterame.

El XI de hoy 📋✨ pic.twitter.com/nFXVKfze8P
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) April 18, 2026

03:50PM

Today's referees

Jon Freeman has been appointed to officiate the clash between Colorado Rapids and Inter Miami. He will be joined on the field by Logan Brown and Ryan Graves, who are set to serve as the assistant referees.

Full officiating team:

Referee: Jon Freeman (USA)
Assistant Referee 1: Logan Brown (USA)
Assistant Referee 2: Ryan Graves (USA)
Fourth official: Jair Marrufo (USA)
VAR: Edvin Jurisevic (USA)

03:30PM

Colorado Rapids lineup confirmed!

Colorado's starting XI: Steffen; Travis, Holding, Herrington, Thompson; Aaronson, Ojediran, Atencio, Frederick; Navarro, Minoungou.

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐗𝐈

🆚: Inter Miami CF
🏟️: Empower Field at Mile High
⏰: 2:30 PM MT
📺: https://t.co/zNwrOSuihJ
📱: https://t.co/qnwufK32Nr
📻: @AltitudeSR, @KCTicoSports
📰: https://t.co/6iW8lGJczz
🤝: @MyKingSoopers pic.twitter.com/UPgrRXmX6c
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) April 18, 2026

03:10PM

Is Lionel Messi playing today?

Lionel Messi is expected to be in Inter Miami's starting lineup to face the Colorado Rapids, as the Argentine has not suffered any setbacks in his most recent appearances.

02:50PM

Kickoff time and where to watch

Colorado Rapids vs Inter Miami will get underway at the Empower Field at 4:30 PM (ET).

Apple TV will be the only option to watch Colorado Rapids vs Inter Miami in the USA.

02:30PM

Colorado Rapids and Inter Miami clash at MLS Matchday 8

Welcome to our live blog of the MLS! Colorado Rapids host Inter Miami at the Empower Field, with both teams looking for a win that help them to climb into the top spots.

Stay with us for all the action and minute-by-minute updates of this exciting game!

Gianni Taina

Gianni Taina is a bilingual journalist, fluent in English and Spanish, with a specialization in soccer, NBA, and tennis. He began his professional career in 2020 with Mundo Deportivo US, where he first established himself as a writer. Throughout his career, Gianni has covered major sports events such as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tournaments like the French Open. His ability to report on real-time events and perform well under pressure has made him a valuable member of a top-tier team of journalists. In 2024, he joined Bolavip US, bringing his expertise in soccer, NBA, and tennis to deliver original content while providing live coverage of important events.