Red Bulls Host Inter Miami CF Sat. 7/19/25 in Likely Messi Sellout

The New York Red Bulls are set to host Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami—better known as Inter Miami CF—on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in a much-anticipated Major League Soccer (MLS) clash at the Sports Illustrated Stadium (formerly Red Bull Arena) in Harrison, NJ. The match is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff and is expected to draw a capacity crowd, especially with the potential appearance of global icon Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami CF, based in the Miami metropolitan area, is one of the league’s newer franchises, having joined MLS for the 2020 season. However, the team’s inaugural campaign was disrupted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with its debut match postponed during the nationwide lockdown. The club finally took to the field in August 2020, when Florida reopened sports venues, and celebrated its first victory with a 3–2 win against in-state rival Orlando City SC.

Inter Miami CF

Currently, Inter Miami CF plays its home matches at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This interim stadium, formerly known as DRV PNK Stadium, has a capacity of just over 21,000 seats and also houses the team’s training facility and academy operations. The club is actively constructing a new, state-of-the-art home venue—Miami Freedom Park—located near Miami International Airport on the former Melreese golf course. Slated to open in Spring 2026, the new stadium will feature 25,000 seats and is the centerpiece of a 131-acre mixed-use development that includes a public park, retail space, and entertainment venues.

New York Red Bulls

The New York Red Bulls will welcome Inter Miami CF to their home turf in Harrison, NJ, which was renamed Sports Illustrated Stadium earlier this year after a naming rights agreement between the Red Bulls organization and Sports Illustrated. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, reports indicate that the Red Bulls will benefit significantly from the multi-year contract. However, despite the stadium’s location on public land in Harrison, the Town of Harrison did not receive any portion of the revenue from the naming rights agreement, raising questions about municipal benefit from such a prominent commercial rebranding.

Harrison Police Traffic Bulletin

With an expected spike in attendance due to Lionel Messi’s presence, the Harrison Police Department is anticipated to issue a Traffic and Parking Bulletin ahead of the event, advising residents and attendees of potential road closures, congestion, and restricted parking zones near the stadium. Based on previous sellout matches involving Inter Miami CF and Messi, attendance is expected to hit the stadium’s maximum capacity of approximately 25,000 fans.

Sell Out Crowd: Yes or No?

If Messi is confirmed to play, the game is likely to sell out in advance, creating a high-demand ticket atmosphere and making this match one of the most sought-after MLS events of the summer. Fans are encouraged to plan their travel in advance, utilize public transportation when possible, and follow all guidance from local authorities to ensure a safe and enjoyable game-day experience.

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