Inter Miami devise plan to let Messi play in South America Champions League

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said that the club has held talks with CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez about the possibility of Inter Miami competing in the Copa Libertadores, the premier club competition in South American football, on Lionel Messi’s home continent.

Mas is highly ambitious, as he imagines a future in which the path of growth for North American football includes competing against other advanced confederations. Hence, he praised the initiative of the Club World Cup while sharing his ambition to see the Herons participate in CONMEBOL’s Copa Libertadores, despite being a CONCACAF nation. 

While Inter Miami have been accused of enjoying preferential treatment, Mas’s idea is not unprecedented, as Mexican clubs (also in CONMEBOL) have participated in the Libertadores from 1998 until 2016, with sides such as Cruz Azul and Chivas reaching finals.

“I would love to see the Club World Cup return so we can compete against the best clubs in the world,” he told Ole. 

“Obviously, a competition like the Copa Libertadores – I would love to see Inter Miami participate someday to compete against the giants of South America, a competition Leo hasn't played in. Those are our aspirations.

“It’s a dream. I've had conversations with CONMEBOL and with Alejandro to see if participation in the Copa Libertadores is possible. There are precedents, because Mexican clubs have played in the Libertadores before. I would like to play in the Libertadores; I've said it, and I'll say it publicly. I've also said it within the League.”

The prospect of Inter Miami playing in the Copa Libertadores provides Messi a rare opportunity in his career to compete in a continental championship he has never contested, despite an extraordinary trophy haul that includes MLS success with Inter Miami, specifically the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, as well as the 2025 MLS Cup.

Inter Miami’s recent titles reflect dominance in every major competition they currently enter under Messi’s influence, but the CONCACAF Champions Cup remains elusive. Given that they are yet to conquer that sphere, it beggars belief that the Herons have the quality to properly compete in the Copa Libertadores.