Lionel Messi and Inter Miami ‘invited to compete in major tournament’ they could NEVER qualify for
LIONEL MESSI and Inter Miami have been invited to play in the Copa Libertadores, according to reports.
The South American equivalent of the Champions League is one of the most prestigious trophies in football – and is one that eludes Messi.
But he could finally get his hands on the trophy after Inter Miami were invited to participate in the next Copa Libertadores.
According to journalist Hugo Balassone, Inter Miami have received an invitation to take part from Chiqui Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association.
Tapia was acting on behalf of Conmebol chief Alejandro Dominguez, who has previously pointed out to Messi he is yet to win the Copa Libertadores.
There has been talk of expanding the Copa Libertadores to include teams from Concacaf – which includes the USA, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Concacaf chief Victor Montagliani has also discussed another competition which would see the winners of the Copa Libertadores and Concacaf’s Champions Cup face off.
Messi, 35, would likely be keen to add the Copa Libertadores to his extensive honours list.
He has won the World Cup and the Copa America with Argentina but the rest of his success has come in Europe, since he left Newell’s Old Boys as a teenager.
The superstar has got off to a flying start in MLS, scoring nine goals in his opening six games.
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Inter Miami have won every game he has played and Messi now has a chance to pick up his first piece of silverware with the club in the Leagues Cup.
Nashville await in the final on Sunday and all eyes will be on Messi as Inter Miami bid to claim their first ever trophy.