The 8-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to the United States ahead of Inter Miami’s 2024 campaign in MLS.
Luis Guillermo Vázquezluis_lgazulJoe Brennanj4brennanUpdate: Jan 7th, 2024 11:29 EST
Inter Miami CFEFE/Inter Miami CF
Lionel Messi is set to return to Inter Miami’s training camp to get ready for the challenges that lie ahead in the 2024 MLS season. After spending the Christmas holidays in Rosario, his hometown, with his family, the World Cup winner finally flew back to the United States.
The world champion will report next Monday to Inter Miami’s training facilities for routine physical tests before facing a series of friendly matches across the world.
Gracias totales 2023 🩷🖤 pic.twitter.com/fofUWRXCxZ
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 31, 2023
Who are Inter Miami playing in pre-season?
Inter Miami will have their first game of their packed pre-season schedule on January 19 when the club travel to San Salvador to face the national team of El Salvador in a historic match to be held at the Cuscatlán Stadium.
After the match against ‘La Selecta’, the Miami squad will have a short tour in Saudi Arabia against Al Hilal on January 29 and Al Nassr on February 1, which could bring fans a much anticipated reunion between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Hong Kong and Japan are the other destinations for the team coached by Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino: they will take on a Hong Kong XI on February 4 and Vissel Kobe on February 7, before returning to Miami to face Newell’s Old Boys on February 15.
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Messi won Leagues Cup with Inter Miami and has set his sights on more silverware in 2024.CHANDAN KHANNAAFP
Messi’s challenges in the United States
Messi faces new challenges on North American soil. Undoubtedly, Inter Miami will want to be a big hitter in the new season, leaving behind the bitter pill of not qualifying for the MLS playoffs in 2023.
Messi will also want to break the record for most goals in a season, which is held by Mexican striker Carlos Vela, who scored 34 goals in 2019. Having said that, winning the MLS Cup and the CONCACAF Champions League are the main challenges at club level.
