Inter Miami has arranged for Lionel Messi to reunite with his former club, Newell’s Old Boys, in advance of the upcoming preseason friendly.The MLS club have already disclosed that their inaugural international tour will include matches against El Salvador, a Hong Kong Select XI, and Vissel Kobe. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, will also face eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo at the Riyadh Cup in Saudi Arabia, where Inter Miami will face Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal. The match is billed as “The Last Dance.”
The 15th of February has been added to the schedule, as both Inter Miami and Newell’s have announced they will meet at DRV PNK Stadium. Messi will face the Argentine club that helped pave the way for his superstardom – prior to his 13-year-old transfer to Barcelona in 2000 – in that match.Tata Martino, who amassed four championships with the Rosario-based club and is Newell’s all-time leading appearance maker, will also face his former club. He issued the following statement on the official website of Inter Miami: “I am ecstatic to welcome my cherished Newell family to our residence in Miami. The match will hold immense significance for me on account of everything Newell’s Old Boys represents. In addition, it will provide an excellent opportunity to prepare for an undoubtedly thrilling season.”
Chris Henderson, chief soccer officer and sporting director, further stated, “We are ecstatic to be able to host this thrilling preseason match at DRV PNK Stadium in front of our supporters. This match against Newell’s is an excellent supplement to a series of contests that will position us for maximum competitiveness in 2024. We are filled with enthusiasm for the forthcoming events.”Messi has previously expressed his desire to conclude his career at Newell’s; however, at the age of 36, he is currently bound by a contract with Inter Miami until 2025, with the possibility of an additional 12-month extension. After becoming the most decorated player in history with a League Cup victory shortly after his arrival in Florida, the World Cup champion is focused on securing additional major honors in 2024.
