Lionel Messi Thrills San Jose Fans Ahead of Inter Miami Clash

Soccer fans in San Jose flocked to Inter Miami’s hotel for a chance to see legendary Lionel Messi, who didn’t disappoint them.

Messi greeted his fans with a wave from the hotel balcony before heading off to training in Northern California. Inter Miami is set to face the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday night at PayPal Park.

This marks Messi’s first visit to the Bay Area since August 2009, when he played for Barcelona against Chivas at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. Notably, this is Inter Miami’s last West Coast appearance for the 2025 MLS regular season.

Eager fans are asking, “Will Messi be playing today in San Jose?”

Messi is in top shape, well-rested, and confirmed as a starter. Despite scoring in his last two games, Inter Miami is on a rough patch, having lost four of their last five matches, being outscored 14-9.

Inter Miami is counting on Messi’s offensive prowess to help them rediscover their winning form against the Earthquakes, who lead the league with 26 goals this season.

Stay informed with live updates by USA TODAY Sports as the San Jose vs. Inter Miami contest unfolds tonight:

Messi Misses Free Kick Before Halftime: San Jose 3, Inter Miami 2 Messi nearly ended the first half spectacularly, but his free kick veered off target, following a foul on Tadeo Allende by San Jose’s Vitor Costa, who received a yellow card.

Ian Harkes Goals Before Halftime: San Jose 3, Inter Miami 2 Ian Harkes of San Jose scored a left-footed goal in stoppage time (45’+4’), once again putting Inter Miami on the back foot.

Tadeo Allende Scores: Inter Miami 2, San Jose 2 Tadeo Allende’s fantastic finish tied the game, thanks to brilliant link-up play. Messi spotted Jordi Alba on the left, who then crossed perfectly for Allende to net it in the 44th minute. This marks Allende’s first goal since March 9.

Messi Tries a Header but Misses: San Jose 2, Inter Miami 1 Inter Miami increased their offensive pressure, with Messi attempting a header that failed to connect in the 40th minute.

Benjamin Cremaschi also missed a chance to score upfront with a mishandled pass from Tadeo Allende just moments later.

Beau Leroux Scores: San Jose 2, Inter Miami 1 Beau Leroux, a San Jose rookie, netted a goal in the 37th minute, capitalizing on Inter Miami’s defensive lapse.

Cristian Arango Exits Due to Injury: San Jose 1, Inter Miami 1 Cristian Arango, San Jose’s top scorer this season, left the field gingerly in the 26th minute due to an injury, likely leading to a substitution.

Messi Misses a Shot: Inter Miami 1, San Jose 1 During the 18th minute, Messi showcased his dribbling flair before missing slightly left on a pass return from Jordi Alba.

Cristian Arango Scores: San Jose 1, Inter Miami 1 Cristian Arango scored early in the third minute, capitalizing on a mishandled pass from Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, erasing their quick 1-0 start.

Maxi Falcon Scores: Inter Miami 1, San Jose 0 Inter Miami took an early lead even before the clock hit one minute, with Maxi Falcon scoring a header off Jordi Alba’s floated cross.

How to Watch the San Jose Earthquakes vs. Inter Miami Live? Catch the live action with the MLS Season Pass available on Apple TV.

Is Lionel Messi Playing in San Jose Tonight? Yes, Messi is listed in Inter Miami’s starting lineup for the match.

When is the San Jose vs. Inter Miami Match? The clash kicks off at 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. PT; 11:30 p.m. in Argentina).

Messi Waves to Fans in San Jose A video surfaced of Messi waving to fans outside the Inter Miami hotel in San Jose this week.

Messi Scores Against Minnesota and New York Red Bulls Messi found the net in each of his last two games: a 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls on May 3, and a 4-1 defeat to Minnesota United on May 10.

David Beckham Requests Respect from Minnesota United Co-owner David Beckham was displeased with some of Minnesota United’s social media posts. They labeled Inter Miami as a “Pink phony club,” post their 4-1 victory where Messi scored Miami’s lone goal.

“Show a little respect @mnufc and be graceful in your win,” Beckham commented.

First-year Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano commented, “Learning to handle criticism, beneficial or otherwise, is crucial.” He adds that the players should embrace constructive criticism but recognize mere unhelpful attacks.

Luis Suarez Won’t Face San Jose Earthquakes Messi will miss his longtime teammate Luis Suarez, who did not make the trip due to personal matters. Fafa Picault’s play against San Jose remains uncertain, as he was absent in the Minnesota game due to migraines.

Messi, Inter Miami Upcoming Schedule: - May 18: Inter Miami vs. Orlando City, 7 p.m. ET
- May 24: Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami, 7:30 p.m. ET
- May 28: Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET
- May 31: Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m. ET

Messi, Inter Miami Club World Cup Schedule:
- June 14: Inter Miami vs. Al Alhy, 8 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami)
- June 19: Inter Miami vs. FC Porto, 3 p.m. ET (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta)
- June 23: Inter Miami vs. Palmerias, 9 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami)