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Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has already made a huge impact at his new club, Inter Miami, scoring goals and attracting fans. T he Argentine superstar could also make history by leading his team to the Copa Libertadores, the most prestigious club competition in South America.
According to TyC Sports, Inter Miami have received an invitation from CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation, to participate in the next edition of the Copa Libertadores, which will start in 2024. The invitation was made by Claudio Tapia, the president of the Argentine Football Association and a close ally of CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez.
If Inter Miami accept the invitation, they would become the first MLS club to play in the Copa Libertadores, which is considered the equivalent of the UEFA Champions League in Europe. The tournament features the best teams from 10 countries in South America, including Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Uruguay. Some of the most famous clubs in the world, such as Boca Juniors, River Plate, Flamengo, and Santos, have won the trophy.
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The idea of having Inter Miami in the Copa Libertadores is motivated by the presence of Messi, who is a legend in South America and a huge draw for fans and sponsors. Messi has never played in the Copa Libertadores before, as he left his native Argentina at a young age to join Barcelona in Spain.
Inter Miami have already qualified for another continental competition, the Concacaf Champions League, by reaching the final of the Leagues Cup 2023, which pits teams from MLS and Mexico's Liga MX against each other. Miami will face Nashville in the Leagues Cup 2023 final on Sunday, August 20.
Inter Miami have not yet confirmed whether they will accept the invitation to play in the Copa Libertadores or not. They will have to get approval from MLS and Concacaf before making a decision. However, many fans are excited about the possibility of seeing Messi and his team compete against some of the best clubs in South America. It would be a historic and unprecedented challenge for Inter Miami and the MLS.
The decision by Argentina to extend the partnership between CONMEBOL and CONCACAF by inviting an MLS team to the Copa Libertadores. The two governing bodies had earlier in the year declared a "strategic collaboration agreement." As a result of this partnership, several CONCACAF members will participate in the upcoming Copa America in 2024.
