'It's a big game for us': Real Salt Lake readies for Messi, Miami in top-tier MLS duel

SANDY — Alex Katranis knew exactly what Wednesday's midweek MLS match against Inter Miami CF means, and if he didn't he only has to ask his in-laws.

"My wife's family flew from Greece," he said with a laugh after the club's 4-2 win over San Diego FC. "A lot of people want to be at that game; it's a special game. Obviously, we're playing against Messi.

"But for us, nothing changes," he added. "It's a game that gives you 3 points. It doesn't give you anything more. We're happy that we have them on our pitch. But in the end, nothing changes for us. We're going to play our football, do our work, and on Wednesday we'll hope to have a wonderful performance and I hope our fans Wednesday night will walk away happy."

It means a little bit more, obviously, because Miami brings arguably the best player in the world Wednesday night to Sandy (7:30 p.m. MT, Apple TV) in Lionel Messi. The 38-year-old Argentine who signed with the South Florida side in MLS on a contract reportedly worth north of $50 million has the Herrons off to a 4-1-3 start, good for 15 points in second in the league's Eastern Conference.

Combine it with RSL's 5-1-1 campaign that includes six straight unbeaten and a perfect 4-0 mark at home, and the midweek duel will feature two of the league's best teams — and also, the best player in the world was training at RSL's practice facility in Herriman with the defending MLS Cup champions Monday afternoon.

"Obviously, it's a big game for us, and especially with the form we're in right now," Salt Lake defender Justen Glad said. "It would be huge to come out and get a win to keep the momentum going."

Since his arrival in the United States nearly three years ago, Messi has raised the profile of the league and served up Apple TV subscriptions worldwide with his history and his play. Leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar didn't hurt, but neither does the former Barcelona star's seven goals in seven matches on a league-high 40 shots taken in 2026.

Still playing at some of the highest levels, Messi has taken seriously his time in MLS, winning the Leagues Cup between MLS and Liga MX two years ago and helping the Herrons lift MLS Cup in 2025 after his second-straight league MVP award.

In many ways, he's another competitor. Yet for obvious reasons, he's much more, Glad admits. Even Glad, the 29-year-old center back who signed a homegrown deal with Real Salt Lake more than a decade ago, was watching, enjoying and imitating (or trying to) the legendary figure while he was growing up, right?

"Who didn't?" he asked rhetorically, with a smile. "Obviously, his ability to take people on, his goals, his assists; he's a stellar player. It will be fun.

"He's huge (for MLS)," Glad added. "When he's playing, there are so many eyes on the league, so many people tuning in that maybe otherwise wouldn't. He's massive."

Messi is also a presence by himself. He regularly travels separately from the team, and has his own private security detail accompanying him in public at all times. Real Salt Lake is expecting more than 21,000 fans at the 20,213-eat America First Field in Sandy — and then some, with additional steel bleachers being installed at the start of the season with an eye on this match.

Standing room-only tickets have been made available, and the Sandy Police Department cautioned fans going to Wednesday night's match to arrive early and expect heavy traffic in the stadium area between 9000 and 9300 South.

The far-right southbound lane on State Street between 9126 South and 9320 South will be closed beginning at 3:30 p.m. MT, and the left-hand turn lane on northbound State Street at Rimando Way will also be closed to all traffic.

When the match ends, northbound Monroe Boulevard will be closed to all traffic from Town Ridge Parkway to 9400 South, which will also be closed for all westbound traffic at State Street.

Real Salt Lake says it will open parking lots beginning at 3:30 p.m. MT, and several supporters' groups have said they will begin tailgating at that time. The stadium's east-side plaza will open at 5:30 p.m., and gates open at 6 p.m., about 45 minutes before pre-game warmups.

The club will also hold a post-game drone show roughly 15 minutes after the final whistle.

It's a larger-than-average match from the outside. But between the white lines, it's all business.

"At the end of the day, I think it's mostly about focusing on ourselves," said RSL defender DeAndre Yedlin, who played with Messi in 2023-24 in Miami. "We obviously have to respect our opponents, and the qualities that they bring. But at the end of the day, I think we focus on ourselves and the quality of this team, and we're going to cause a lot of problems.

"We want to make teams adjust to us — not us adjust to other teams."

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