In a collision of global sports stardom, NFL standout Amon-Ra St. Brown and actor-athlete Terry Crews were spotted alongside Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi during the buildup to one of the most attended matches in Major League Soccer history.
The convergence of these three figures occurred in Denver, Colorado, as Inter Miami CF prepared to face the Colorado Rapids at Empower Field at Mile High. The event served as a high-profile intersection of American football and global soccer, highlighting the growing cultural footprint of MLS in the United States.
A Record-Breaking Atmosphere in Denver
The presence of the NFL and entertainment stars added to the electricity of a matchday that already looked to shatter records. The clash between Inter Miami and the Colorado Rapids drew a massive crowd of 75,824 fans, marking the second-highest single-game attendance in the history of Major League Soccer.
For the local community, the match was more than just a regular-season fixture; it was a celebration of the Colorado Rapids’ 30th Anniversary. The scale of the event transformed the stadium into a global stage, attracting high-profile visitors like St. Brown and Crews, who joined Messi in the pre-match festivities.
Messi’s Masterclass Under New Leadership
While the celebrity sightings captured social media attention, the action on the pitch was dominated by Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar delivered a commanding performance, scoring two goals to lead Inter Miami to a 3-2 victory over the Rapids.
The win was particularly significant as it marked the debut of interim coach Guillermo Hoyos. Following an unexpected coaching transition, Hoyos managed to secure a road victory in his first match in charge, extending Inter Miami’s unbeaten streak to seven games.
Messi’s influence remained absolute. He scored the decisive goal in the 79th minute, securing the three points for the visitors. His performance earned him the MLS Player of the Matchday award for the eighth consecutive matchday—a streak that underscores his continued dominance in the league.
The NFL Connection: St. Brown and Crews
The appearance of Amon-Ra St. Brown, the star wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, alongside Terry Crews, the former NFL player turned actor, speaks to the symbiotic relationship currently forming between the NFL and soccer in North America. St. Brown has recently been in the spotlight for his explosive playmaking and celebrated touchdown dances, while Crews remains a bridge between the worlds of professional athletics and mainstream entertainment.
Their interaction with Messi highlights a broader trend: the “cross-pollination” of fandom. As soccer continues to penetrate the American sports consciousness, the league is increasingly seeing the support of established NFL stars, which in turn helps the sport reach a wider demographic of sports fans who may have previously focused solely on the gridiron.
Key Match Details
- Final Score: Inter Miami CF 3, Colorado Rapids 2
- Venue: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
- Attendance: 75,824 (2nd highest in MLS history)
- Top Performer: Lionel Messi (2 goals, named Player of the Matchday)
- Coaching Milestone: First win for interim coach Guillermo Hoyos
For those following the league’s trajectory, this match was a microcosm of the “Messi Effect”—where a single player’s presence doesn’t just influence the scoreline, but transforms the entire event into a global spectacle attracting the likes of NFL stars and Hollywood figures.
Inter Miami continues its campaign with a reinforced unbeaten run and a new tactical direction under Hoyos. The team will look to build on this momentum as they navigate the challenging MLS schedule.
Fans can follow the latest official updates and match schedules via the Official MLS Website.
Do you think the presence of NFL stars at MLS matches helps grow the game in the U.S.? Let us understand in the comments below.
