# Como’s Champions League test against Manchester United
Como face Manchester United in a landmark Champions League match at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, with coach Cesc Fabregas urging his players to approach the occasion with confidence. The Italian club are emerging as one of European soccer’s most compelling projects, while United arrive as a famous side looking to overcome a difficult period.
Despite the difference in the clubs’ histories, Como are favored to win, according to the listed odds. For Fabregas, the match is more than a meeting with a major opponent: it is an opportunity for Como to show that their rise is no short-lived success.
## Como vs. Manchester United: Match details
– **Date:** Wednesday, October 21, 2026
– **Kickoff:** 12:45 p.m. ET
– **Venue:** Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como
– **Odds:** Como +120; draw +271; Manchester United +230
The match follows a memorable Champions League home debut for Como, who beat RB Leipzig 4-1. Their meeting with Manchester United is another historic night for the city and a chance for the club to demonstrate its growing stature in European soccer.
## Fabregas backs Como to play their own game
Fabregas joked that Como might “park the bus,” but made clear that his team intends to play its usual style. He said the players should meet the challenge with composure and ambition rather than become overwhelmed by Manchester United’s history.
The Como coach emphasized that respecting an opponent does not mean fearing them. He compared United with Italian giants such as Inter, Milan and Juventus, saying his focus is on understanding what the opposition do and finding ways to hurt them.
Fabregas believes confidence will be crucial. If Como approach the match convinced that Manchester United are superior, he said, winning becomes much harder. Instead, he wants his players to trust their approach and make the most of a special occasion.
## Lionel Messi’s unexpected connection to Como
Como have also received a high-profile show of support from Lionel Messi. The Argentine star recently shared a photo of his son Ciro wearing a Como jersey. Fabregas said he was behind the gift, which connects to the friendship between the coach and Messi.
The shirt also carries a link to Como midfielder Nico Paz, who has shared the Argentina national team dressing room with Messi.
### The story of Como’s reported chance to sign Messi
The club’s connection to Messi has prompted renewed discussion of a claim made by former Como owner Enrico Preziosi. Preziosi has said that Como once had the opportunity to sign Messi as a teenager, but that concerns about the young player’s height helped derail the move.
In an interview, Preziosi recalled seeing a video of Messi and meeting his father, who was reportedly seeking financial support. Preziosi said he was interested in pursuing a deal but later heard objections from club figures. Messi eventually joined Barcelona, where the club helped develop him into one of soccer’s greatest players.
However, the account has been disputed. Former Como official Carmine Gentile denied seeing Messi at the club or dismissing him because of his height. There are also discrepancies in the timeline: Preziosi’s version suggested Messi went to Barcelona at 16, while Messi was already there by the age of 15. The conflicting accounts mean the story remains unconfirmed.
## A defining night for Como
Como’s match against Manchester United is a major test of the club’s progress under Fabregas. Backed by ambitious ownership and a growing group of young players, the team has quickly become a notable presence in the Champions League.
A strong performance would underline that Como are more than an intriguing newcomer. As Fabregas prepares his players for a historic night at Stadio Sinigaglia, the club has a chance to make a statement about its place among Europe’s elite.