Will Lionel Messi play for Inter Miami against New York City FC? Update on Argentine’s involvement in friendly that will see Ballon d’Or paraded in Florida

The Argentine icon has been named the best player on the planet for the eighth time in his record-breaking career. In an effort to recognise that success, while also bringing the 2023 campaign to a close in front of home supporters at DRV PNK Stadium, a meeting with NYCFC will take place on Friday.

Said occasion is being billed as “Noche d’Or” night, with a pre-game ceremony set to see the prestigious Golden Ball on show as MLS commissioner Don Garber and Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas speak to the crowds. Inter Miami coach Tata Martino has said of Messi’s involvement in a game that will be all about him: “Of course, (Leo) will play because he is the star of this match. We want to be with him to celebrate his Ballon d’Or, but also it is an opportunity to return to competition, even though it’s a friendly, so people can see Leo and his team-mates on the field one more time and bid farewell to this season.”

Inter Miami stars will hit their off-season break after facing New York City – with some still having international action to take in this month – and plans are being drawn up for further friendly dates when the club’s 2024 pre-season campaign gets underway on January 10. Martino added on getting more matches lined up – with there talk of facing Newell’s Old Boys at some stage, the team that helped to put Messi on a path to superstardom: “Over the past few days we have been having conversations between the sporting side and the business side about all our needs, obviously with the sporting side as the priority. We have looked at scenarios of having some of the pre-season in Florida, some abroad, but nothing has been confirmed. We want to have a pre-season of approximately 40 days.”

Inter Miami had been due to take in a two-game tour of China this month, but those plans have been cancelled. The curtain will instead come down on the 2023 season in the club’s own backyard, with Messi having delivered a historic Leagues Cup triumph in his debut campaign, while also helping his new employers to the U.S. Open Cup final.