Lionel Messi, Inter Miami to open preseason with friendly against Club America in January

Inter Miami have set up the start of their highly-anticipated 2025 campaign, and are set to face Club America in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Jan. 18, the club announced.

It will be Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba's return to the pitch after all four confirmed that they will stay at the club - with Suarez signing a one-year deal.

The friendly will be a stern test for Mascherano as he enters his first season in charge. The Argentina and Barcelona legend signed a three-year contract as Miami's head coach after Tata Martino left for "personal reasons" at the end of the 2024 campaign.

America are on the verge of a third straight Mexican crown. The Liga MX powerhouse hold a 2-1 lead heading into the second leg of the Mexican final.

The friendly will come shortly before the Mexican side kick off the first half of their Liga MX campaign.

The Herons have promised change in their roster ahead of the 2025 season. Attacking midfielder Diego Gomez is set to leave for Brighton in January, and there will likely be further moves prior to January's friendly.

Preseason starts in the new year, with the regular campaign set to begin in either February or March.