Is Messi playing in San Jose? Fans Hold Their Breath Ahead of Sold-Out Showdown

Bay Area fans have seen their fair share of sports excitement. But this week, the buzz isn’t about Steph Curry. It’s about Lionel Messi.

Yes, that Messi.

The global soccer icon landed in San Jose Sunday night with his star-studded Inter Miami squad. And ever since, fans have camped outside the team’s hotel in Santana Row, hoping for a glimpse of the Argentine legend. Some caught brief moments of Messi waving from a hotel balcony, soaking up the cheers like royalty. But everyone wants to know one thing: Will he actually play?

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Why Is a Midweek MLS Match Causing So Much Hype?

It’s not every day San Jose Earthquakes host the biggest name in soccer. This isn’t a cup final or playoff match—it’s a regular season clash. Still, anticipation is off the charts. And it’s easy to see why.

Messi, fresh off his World Cup victory with Argentina and five goals already this season, draws a crowd wherever he goes. The excitement follows him like a shadow. It’s not just about the goals or the skills. It’s about witnessing a once-in-a-generation player in person.

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Tickets? Long gone. The match has been sold out for months. Right now, the cheapest seats on StubHub are going for more than $600. That’s rock concert money, not your average MLS pricing.

Adding fuel to the fire is the chance to see more legends in action. Messi won’t be alone in pink. His old Barcelona teammates—Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets—are also expected to take the field. For soccer fans, it’s like watching a dream reunion live.

Will Lionel Messi Play?

The question that’s had fans pacing outside the hotel is whether Messi will be in the starting XI. Last season, injuries kept him off the pitch more often than not. This season, he’s been relatively healthy, appearing in most of Miami’s games.

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His latest outing saw him score Miami’s only goal in a rough 4-1 loss to Minnesota United. That brings his tally to five goals in the campaign, including another in their solid win over New York Red Bulls.

While Miami’s recent form isn’t impressive—four losses in their last five matches—Messi has still been a bright spot. Given his condition and the high-profile nature of the game, there’s a good chance fans in San Jose won’t be disappointed.

Still, nothing is guaranteed in sports. Some fans are arriving early just in case they can catch a warm-up glimpse, anything to calm their nerves before kickoff.

Can the Quakes Pull Off an Upset Against the Star-Packed Miami?

On the flip side, the San Jose Earthquakes have been quietly building momentum. Under veteran head coach Bruce Arena, the team has found form at the right time. They’ve won back-to-back games, including a dominant 4-1 home victory over Portland Timbers and a confident 2-0 away win against Colorado Rapids.

While the spotlight may be fixed on Inter Miami’s stars, the Quakes will look to steal it. And they have the tools to do so. Arena knows how to manage big games, and the team has found its groove in recent weeks.

The crowd will be massive. The stakes? Maybe not playoff-level, but the energy will be off the charts.

Match Day Details: What Time Does Everything Start?

If you’re one of the lucky few holding a ticket, here’s what you need to know:

• Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. sharp.
• Stadium gates open at 5:30 p.m.
• Tailgate lot opens at 4:30 p.m.

Expect packed parking lots, long lines, and a festival-like atmosphere. This isn’t just another match—it’s a Bay Area sports moment.

So, will Messi play? We’ll find out soon. But one thing’s for sure—San Jose has never seen anything quite like this.