Real Salt Lake was scheduled to host Inter Miami CF at America First Field in Sandy, Utah, on Wednesday, April 22. The Matchday 9 clash featured a matchup between Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna and Inter Miami's Lionel Messi.
Real Salt Lake entered the match with a 5th place standing in the Western Conference, holding a record of 5 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw for 16 points. The team had been unbeaten for six games since an opening weekend loss to Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Their previous result was a 4-2 win over San Diego FC, which included a brace from Sergi Solans and a goal and two assists from Diego Luna.
Inter Miami CF held 2nd place in the Eastern Conference with 15 points, consisting of 4 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws. The club was managed by sporting director Guillermo Hoyos following the departure of head coach Javier Mascherano. Inter Miami's most recent result was a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rapids, where Lionel Messi earned MLS Player of the Matchday honors after scoring two goals.
For Real Salt Lake, key players included Zavier Gozo, who had recorded two goals and four assists in seven games, and Morgan Guilavogui, who had one goal and four assists in six games. Veteran center back Justen Glad was noted as a key figure for the defense against Inter Miami.
Inter Miami's roster featured Lionel Messi, who had seven goals in seven games this season, and Germán Berterame, who had scored in back-to-back games. The team also featured Dayne St. Clair, the 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, and midfielder Telasco Segovia, who had one goal and four assists in eight games.
The match was framed as a battle between the two teams' number 10s, Luna and Messi.
