Inter Miami are experiencing a historic second. After eliminating Nashville SC and FC Cincinnati within the Main League Soccer playoffs, they may play their first-ever Jap Convention Remaining towards New York Metropolis FC. Nonetheless, that has not stopped Lionel Messi’s crew from planning forward for subsequent 12 months.
Experiences point out that the Herons will make a tour via South America as a part of their preparation for the 2026 MLS season. That would embrace matches in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, though negotiations are nonetheless ongoing.
“In accordance with what we mentioned, we categorical and make sure our curiosity in enjoying a pleasant match with Inter Miami within the metropolis of Cali in February 2026,” mentioned America de Cali industrial director Andres Osorio Suarez, as reported by Infobae.
The date for this potential matchup has not but been finalized, however it’s believed it may happen within the first days of February. Earlier than that, on January 24, there’s a sturdy risk that Messi and his teammates will face Alianza Lima at Estadio Nacional. That match could be a part of the normal White and Blue Night time, the annual occasion wherein the membership presents its first crew for the upcoming season.
Messi enjoying for Inter Miami vs. Universitario.
The report from Infobae additionally mentions a attainable third match in South America to be performed after the visits to Peru and Colombia. The proposed date is Saturday, February 7, towards one of many high golf equipment in Ecuador.
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Inter Miami’s earlier go to to South America
Inter Miami’s potential matches in Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador throughout the 2026 preseason have a precedent on this 12 months’s schedule. Earlier than starting their campaigns in Main League Soccer and the Concacaf Champions Cup, the Herons additionally made a short journey to South America.
On January 29, Lionel Messi performed 72 minutes in Inter Miami’s 0–0 draw towards Universitario at Estadio Monumental in Lima, Peru. That match was a part of the tour Javier Mascherano’s crew carried out earlier than the beginning of official competitions, which additionally included video games in Panama and Honduras.
2026 preseason will probably be key for Messi
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, it’s inevitable that Lionel Messi retains it as a high precedence. He’s at the moment centered on main Inter Miami to the Main League Soccer title, however he is aware of the subsequent main objective will come subsequent summer season with Argentina.
By then, Messi will probably be near turning 39 years previous, which is why he has not but confirmed his presence within the FIFA event. “I wish to be on the World Cup in good kind and be an essential half in serving to my nationwide crew, if I’m there,” he mentioned in a latest interview with NBC.
“I’ll consider this day-to-day when preseason begins with Inter Miami and see if I can actually be 100%,” Messi later added, making his issues clear. These phrases give huge significance to the 2026 preseason, as will probably be Lionel’s ultimate likelihood to succeed in peak bodily kind earlier than the World Cup. That’s the reason planning the journey and matches throughout that stretch will probably be essential for the Argentine ahead.
