Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Inter Miami sets up Messi 'homecoming' with Newell's Old Boys

By Alyssa Clang | Last updated 12/19/23

Superstar Lionel Messi is known for his stints with Spain's Barcelona and France's Paris Saint-Germain, but the Argentinian got his big break much closer to home.

Messi, born a few hours' drive outside Buenos Aires in the city of Rosario, came through the soccer ranks at local club Newell's Old Boys in the late 1990s. He joined the club when he was six, scoring hundreds of goals for the youth team, before relocating to Barcelona at age 13.

Messi remained a Newell's fan throughout his career and has long expressed a desire to play against the team. Inter Miami — his Major League Soccer team — had a better idea: Instead of sending Messi to Newell's, the club could send Newell's to Messi.

Messi will face his childhood club @Newells in a preseason friendly in February, both teams confirmed on Monday pic.twitter.com/RvPKcf39ZV
— 433 (@433) December 19, 2023

On Tuesday, Inter Miami announced it will host Newell's Old Boys at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Feb. 15. The match will serve as a preseason friendly for both teams. MLS is slated to start later in February.

Messi isn't the only Argentine excited about Newell's Miami visit. Coach Tata Martino, also played for the club, holds its all-time appearance record with more than 500 games.

"I am delighted to welcome my beloved Newell's to our home here in Miami," Martino said, per Inter Miami's website. "It will be a special match due to everything Newell's Old Boys means to me."

Inter Miami's Newell's match is one of several global friendlies the club will play before the 2024 MLS season. It's also scheduled to tour Saudi Arabia this winter before facing Japanese champions Vissel Kobe on Feb. 7. Inter Miami is also expected to play preseason exhibitions against national teams from El Salvador and Hong Kong.

It's a massive preseason tour and one that sets a new precedent for MLS clubs, many of whom merely face each other to prepare for league play.

"This match against Newell's is a great addition to a set of matches that will put us in the best position possible to compete in 2024," said Inter Miami chief soccer officer Chris Henderson.

More must-reads: