Lionel Messi’s incredible start at Inter Miami has caught the attention of South American football federation CONMEBOL, who reportedly want the MLS club to feature in the 2024 Copa Libertadores. Messi has already scored nine goals in his first six games for David Beckham’s team, bringing worldwide attention to the club.
According to journalist Hugo Balassone, CONMEBOL chief Alejandro Dominguez is in talks with AFA president Claudio Tapia about including Inter Miami in next year’s Copa Libertadores. Currently, the tournament is limited to the ten CONMEBOL nations, but there are plans to expand it to include clubs from CONCACAF, which would involve teams from the United States and Mexico.
This potential inclusion of Inter Miami in the Copa Libertadores is particularly significant for Messi. The Argentine superstar never had the opportunity to play in South America’s most famous competition after leaving his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, as a young player. During the draw for this season’s Copa Libertadores in March, Dominiguez reminded Messi of this fact while honoring him with a statue in the CONMEBOL museum.
Dominiguez told Messi on stage, “The only cup you’re missing is the Libertadores.” This statement highlights the significance of the tournament and the desire to see Messi compete in it. With Inter Miami potentially participating in the Copa Libertadores, Messi could finally have the opportunity to fulfill this missing piece in his trophy cabinet.
The Copa Libertadores is a prestigious competition that showcases the best clubs from South America. It has a rich history and is often regarded as one of the most exciting and competitive tournaments in world football. Adding Inter Miami to the mix would not only bring more attention to the competition but also provide an opportunity for Messi to showcase his skills on a continental stage.
Messi’s impact on Inter Miami has been immense since his arrival. His goals and assists have propelled the team to success, and his presence has generated a buzz around the club. The addition of Messi to the Copa Libertadores would undoubtedly elevate the tournament’s profile and attract even more global attention.
Expanding the Copa Libertadores to include clubs from CONCACAF is a logical step in the growth and development of the competition. It would create new rivalries and increase the level of competition, making the tournament even more exciting for fans. The inclusion of Inter Miami, with Messi leading the charge, would add an extra layer of intrigue and anticipation to the competition.
While the talks between CONMEBOL and AFA are still ongoing, the possibility of Messi featuring in the Copa Libertadores with Inter Miami is an exciting prospect. It would be a dream come true for Messi to finally compete in South America’s most prestigious club tournament and have a chance to add the Libertadores trophy to his already illustrious collection.
In conclusion, Lionel Messi’s outstanding performances for Inter Miami have attracted the attention of CONMEBOL, who want to include the MLS club in the 2024 Copa Libertadores. This potential inclusion would give Messi the opportunity to compete in a tournament he has never had the chance to play in before. The addition of Inter Miami to the Copa Libertadores would bring more attention to the competition and elevate its profile. It would also create new rivalries and increase the level of competition, making it even more exciting for fans. The talks between CONMEBOL and AFA are ongoing, but if successful, Messi could finally fulfill his missing cup and add another prestigious trophy to his collection.