Lionel Messi is set to be reunited with childhood club Newell’s Old Boys as Inter Miami have put another pre-season friendly in place.
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Argentine icon started out in RosarioMartino also boasts strong ties to the clubFlorida-based outfit preparing for 2024 seasonWHAT HAPPENED?
The MLS outfit have already announced that they will be facing El Salvador, a Hong Kong Select XI and Vissel Kobe as part of their first international tour. Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi will also lock horns with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo in what is being billed as ‘The Last Dance’ when Inter Miami take on Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal at the Riyadh Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Get your MLS Season Pass today!Watch nowAdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Another date has now been added to the diary, with Inter Miami and Newell’s revealing that they will face off at DRV PNK Stadium on February 15. That contest will see Messi line up against the Argentine outfit that helped to put him on the road to superstardom – before a move to Barcelona was made in 2000 at the age of 13.
WHAT INTER MIAMI SAID
Tata Martino will also be facing his former club, as Newell’s all-time leading appearance maker and winner of four titles with the Rosario-based outfit. He has said in a statement on Inter Miami’s : “I am delighted to welcome my beloved Newell's to our home here in Miami. It will be a special match due to everything Newell's Old Boys means to me. It will also be a good opportunity to prepare for what will surely be an exciting season.”
Chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson added: “We're very pleased to be able to play this exciting preseason match at home in front of our fans at DRV PNK Stadium. This match against Newell's is a great addition to a set of matches that will put us in the best position possible to compete in 2024. We're excited for what is ahead.”
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
Messi has stated in the past that he would like to end his career back at Newell’s, but he is now 36 years of age and tied to a contract at Inter Miami through 2025 – with there an option for a 12-month extension beyond that point. The World Cup winner has his sight set on more major honours in 2024 after a Leagues Cup triumph shortly after his arrival in Florida made him the most decorated player of all time.
