Inter Miami to take on Lionel Messi's former club in pre-season friendly

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 09:20 - 19 December 2023

Inter Miami captain and superstar Lionel Messi || Image credit: Getty

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will take on one of the World Cup winner's former clubs in a pre-season friendly in February.

Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi will face his childhood club Newell's Old Boys in a preseason friendly match in February.

Miami will host the team from Argentina on February 15 at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Messi to lead Inter Miami against Newell's Old Boys

The club from Rosario is heading to Miami 🇦🇷🏠

Don't miss the preseason friendly against Newell's Old Boys on February 15! Tickets go on sale on December 19 at 10 AM ET, with priority for season members. Details: https://t.co/3uunHkgunV #InterMiamiCF x @Newells pic.twitter.com/idEg8imXg9
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 18, 2023

Messi started his career with Newell's youth team in his hometown of Rosario, playing until the age of 13 before making his move to FC Barcelona.

The significance deepens as Gerardo Martino, the coach of Inter Miami, finds himself facing a team with which he shares a profound connection. Martino, who debuted as a player with Newell's in 1980, holds the record for the most appearances in the club's storied history.

"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," said Martino in a team statement.

"It will also be a good opportunity to prepare for what will surely be an exciting season."