Will Lionel Messi get Copa Libertadores chance? MLS outfit Inter Miami push for invite that gives Argentine icon historic shot at another trophy

Despite being a South American native, Messi headed to Barcelona at the age of 13. He was forced to sever ties with the Catalan giants in 2021, but is yet to return to his roots – with a move made to Paris Saint-Germain before linking up with David Beckham in Florida during the summer of 2023.

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Jorge Mas is the majority shareholder at Inter Miami and has reiterated his desire to see Messi given a chance to savour a historic Copa Libertadores triumph while plying his trade in MLS. Mas has told Ole: “We aspire to one day participate in the Libertadores. I think it is an important goal, it is a tournament that Leo has never participated in. We also want to elevate the league to have participation and would love to see if we are given the opportunity, the possibility of participating in the Club World Cup next year, and obviously again in four years for 2029. We aspire to a lot.”

Mas has also pointed out that Inter Miami will do all they can to ensure that Messi is not the last modern day legend to grace their books, with big plans for the future being drawn up. He added: “There will always be talk of an era of before and after Messi in the development of soccer in the United States, it is the largest market in the world but it is in its soccer infancy. But I think that we are going to continue aspiring to have a team, a squad that can compete in international tournaments. We are going to continue dreaming big, always wanting the best footballers in the world to play for Inter Miami. Having Lionel here has been a blessing for the club, for football in this country. I think he is having an extremely good time, his family is happy here and we are very happy.”

Messi is tied to a contract through the 2025 MLS campaign, but has the option of a 12-month extension. Triggering that clause would keep him in America for a World Cup in 2026 that will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.