Lionel Messi’s potential appearance in the 2024 Copa Libertadores has gained traction following reports that CONMEBOL has approached Inter Miami for their participation.
The renowned Argentine icon has propelled David Beckham’s MLS franchise into the global spotlight, amassing an impressive nine goals within his opening six matches.
As per information from journalist Hugo Balassone, CONMEBOL, the governing body for South American football, is seeking to incorporate this newfound sensation.
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Allegedly, Alejandro Dominguez, the head of CONMEBOL, is engaged in discussions with AFA president Claudio Tapia regarding the prospect of Inter Miami’s inclusion in the upcoming Copa Libertadores edition.
Traditionally confined to teams representing the ten CONMEBOL member nations—Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela—the tournament’s boundaries could potentially expand with this intriguing proposition.
🚨 AFA President Chiqui Tapia has made a request, with CONMEBOL president Domínguez's endorsement, for Lionel Messi, Inter Miami and other Concacaf teams to take part in competition with CONMEBOL teams. Via @hugorbalassone. pic.twitter.com/BSs7eOvASU
— Mundo Albiceleste ⭐🌟⭐🇦🇷 (@MundoAlbicelest) August 16, 2023However, if the ambitions to expand the tournament are realized, it could potentially encompass CONCACAF as well, thus welcoming clubs from the United States and Mexico.
Messi’s journey saw him depart his childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, as a youngster, denying him the opportunity to grace South America’s most illustrious competition on his home continent.
This poignant fact was brought to Messi’s attention by Dominiguez during the draw ceremony for the current Copa Libertadores season, which took place in March. In recognition of Messi’s monumental contributions, which included propelling Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022, he was bestowed with the distinction of a statue in the CONMEBOL museum. The statue resides alongside those of Pele and Diego Maradona, two other legendary figures in the world of football.
In a moment filled with significance, Dominiguez addressed the seven-time Ballon d’Or laureate on the stage, highlighting the one notable absence from Messi’s illustrious collection: “The only cup you’re missing is the Libertadores.”
