Lionel Messi in Copa Libertadores? Inter Miami Chasing a Dream That Could Give the Argentine GOAT a Career First

Inter Miami Open Talks That Could See Lionel Messi Experience Copa Libertadores for the First Time

The idea still sounds surreal, almost like something pulled from a football fan’s late-night fantasy. Lionel Messi in the Copa Libertadores. Not in a friendly, not in an exhibition match, but in the real thing — hostile atmospheres, long trips across South America, and knockout nights that define careers.

Yet this “dream” is now being spoken about openly by Inter Miami, with club executives confirming that talks have taken place that could one day allow the Argentine GOAT to enjoy a career first in the most prestigious club competition South American football has to offer.

Messi, who has won virtually everything there is to win in the game, has somehow never played in the Copa Libertadores. From Rosario to Barcelona, Paris and now Miami, his club career unfolded entirely outside CONMEBOL’s flagship tournament. That may change sooner than anyone expected.

Why the Copa Libertadores Has Never Featured Lionel Messi

It feels almost wrong that a competition so closely tied to South American football history has never seen its most famous son compete in it. Messi left Argentina for Barcelona as a teenager, and from that moment on, his destiny was European.

Four Champions League titles, countless domestic trophies, individual records stacked on top of individual records — Messi didn’t need the Libertadores to cement his legacy. And yet, for many fans in South America, there has always been that lingering “what if”.

What would Messi look like on a wet night in Montevideo?
How would he cope with La Bombonera or the Mineirão?
Could he dominate the Libertadores the way he did Europe?

Those questions have remained unanswered. Until now, perhaps.

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Inter Miami and the Growing Libertadores Conversation

The possibility of Inter Miami chasing a Copa Libertadores invitation is not brand new. Whispers first surfaced when Messi shocked the football world by joining the MLS side in 2023. At the time, the move already felt like a bridge between continents.

Messi immediately made his impact felt. He led the Herons to Leagues Cup glory, facing off against Liga MX opposition and showing that MLS teams could compete on a broader continental stage. That tournament, involving both Mexican and American clubs, only fuelled speculation about bigger cross-confederation ideas.

Discussions reportedly continued into 2024, quietly at first. Now, following Inter Miami’s historic MLS Cup triumph in 2025, those conversations are back in the open — and louder than ever.

Inter Miami Following the Liga MX Precedent

There is already a blueprint for this kind of move. For years, Liga MX clubs were regular participants in the Copa Libertadores, adding quality, commercial appeal and competitive balance to the tournament. Mexican teams reached finals, challenged South America’s giants, and became part of the competition’s fabric.

Inter Miami believe they could follow a similar path.

The Herons have already competed on the global stage at the FIFA Club World Cup, and their MLS Cup success has crowned them kings of North American soccer. In the eyes of the club’s ownership, that success should come with bigger opportunities.

Jorge Mas Confirms Talks: “It’s a Dream”

Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas has been refreshingly honest about the club’s ambitions. Speaking to Olé, he confirmed that conversations have already taken place with CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez.

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

“But 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.”

Mas didn’t hide the emotional pull of the idea.

“It’s a dream,” he added. “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.”

This isn’t just marketing talk. It’s a statement of intent.

Do MLS Cup Winners Deserve a Copa Libertadores Spot?

Lionel Messi World Cup trophy

At the heart of the debate lies a simple but controversial question: should MLS champions be allowed into the Copa Libertadores?

Mas believes the answer is yes.

“I believe that the MLS champions, like those of Liga MX, deserve a spot,” he said. “I know these are matters between CONCACAF and CONMEBOL, but I think hemispheric soccer can continue to grow.”

From a footballing perspective, the argument is gaining traction. MLS teams are stronger than ever. Infrastructure has improved. Squad quality has risen. And with players like Messi, the competitive gap has narrowed dramatically.

From a commercial standpoint, the appeal is obvious. A Copa Libertadores featuring Messi — even in the latter stages of his career — would attract unprecedented global attention.

Messi’s Commitment to Inter Miami Until 2028

One key factor making this dream realistic is Messi’s long-term commitment. The Argentine has agreed a contract extension with Inter Miami through 2028, signalling that his time in MLS is not a short farewell tour.

While familiar faces like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have retired, Luis Suárez has signed on for another year, maintaining a strong core of experience around Messi. The club’s ownership, led by David Beckham, is determined to keep building.

A new purpose-built stadium is on the horizon, and more marquee signings are expected to arrive to support Javier Mascherano’s squad.

Inter Miami’s Bigger Ambition: Winning CONCACAF First

Before dreaming of the Copa Libertadores, Inter Miami have unfinished business closer to home. Mas has been clear about the club’s immediate objective.

“Our goal is to win the CONCACAF Champions League,” he said. “I’ve told the club that. The objective is to win the CONCACAF Champions League in seven matches this year.”

That ambition reflects how seriously Inter Miami view themselves as continental contenders. Mas believes his squad can stand toe-to-toe with the best in the region.

“We can compete with all the clubs — Tigres, América — they are very good and very difficult clubs, with respect to those clubs, but we have what it takes.”

Success in CONCACAF would only strengthen the case for a Libertadores invitation.

What Would Copa Libertadores Mean for Messi’s Legacy?

For Messi, the Copa Libertadores represents one of the final untouched pieces of football mythology. He doesn’t need it to prove anything — his résumé is already untouchable — but that’s precisely what makes the idea so compelling.

Winning the Libertadores would place Messi in a unique category: a player who conquered Europe, South America at international level, and North America at club level. It would also silence any lingering debates about his adaptability across continents.

And beyond trophies, there is romance. The Libertadores is raw, emotional, unpredictable. It is football stripped of comfort. Seeing Messi in that environment would be something special.

Copa Libertadores, World Cup, and 2026: A Defining Year

The year 2026 could be monumental for Messi. Alongside the possibility of Copa Libertadores action with Inter Miami, he is also weighing up his involvement in Argentina’s World Cup title defence, set to take place on North American soil.

While he has yet to officially confirm his participation, few doubt his desire to represent his country one last time. After lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022, Messi completed football. Anything that comes next is legacy-building.

Final Thoughts: A Dream That Feels Closer Than Ever

Lionel Messi in the Copa Libertadores once sounded impossible. Now, it sounds ambitious, complicated — but real. Inter Miami are thinking big, thinking globally, and thinking beyond traditional boundaries.

Whether the dream becomes reality will depend on politics, calendars, and cooperation between confederations. But one thing is clear: the idea is no longer just a fantasy whispered by fans.

It’s a conversation happening at the highest levels of the game. And if it happens, football history will gain one final, unforgettable chapter.