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Messi Returns as Inter Miami Hosts D.C. United, Oct. 10

By Drooid · Oct 10, 2026, 11:01 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Messi Leads Miami

Inter Miami will host D.C. United at Nu Stadium on October 10, 2026, 7:30 p.m. ET.
Lionel Messi returns, leading the league with 21 goals, 13 assists and a ten-match goal involvement streak.
Miami, third with 46 points (12-5-10), unbeaten in six meetings (5-0-1), has a 63.7% win probability.
D.C. United is 11th with 30 points (6-8-12) and must win to stay within three playoff points.

Summary

Messi Acquires Eldense

Messi's final Argentina match generated nearly $13 million in ticket revenue, per Forbes Argentina.
Seats sold for 480,000 pesos (over 280 euros), fueling a lucrative resale market.
The friendly peaked at 36 rating points, drawing 2.59 million free-to-air viewers.
Cristiano Ronaldo praised Messi on Instagram, calling his Argentina career “history that will last forever.”
Messi acquired 100% ownership of Spanish club Eldense.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, held in June-July 1994, sparked nationwide interest and paved the way for Major League Soccer’s 1996 launch. MLS recorded an average attendance of 17,000 per match in its inaugural season, and the league’s valuation grew to $1 billion by 2020. Today, Inter Miami’s October 10, 2026 clash with D.C. United mirrors that growth, featuring Lionel Messi’s 21 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Instagram praise, and Messi’s 100% ownership of Eldense. The precedent set by the 1994 tournament suggests such star power will further elevate MLS revenues, broadcast ratings, and global brand recognition in the coming decade.

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Messi Leads Miami

Inter Miami will host D.C. United at Nu Stadium on October 10, 2026, 7:30 p.m. ET.
Lionel Messi returns, leading the league with 21 goals, 13 assists and a ten-match goal involvement streak.
Miami, third with 46 points (12-5-10), unbeaten in six meetings (5-0-1), has a 63.7% win probability.
D.C. United is 11th with 30 points (6-8-12) and must win to stay within three playoff points.

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