Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas has officially confirmed his ambition to see Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez compete in the Copa Libertadores, revealing that high-level discussions with CONMEBOL are already underway.
In a recent interview with the Argentine newspaper Olé, Mas expressed his desire to bridge the gap between MLS and South American football. The Inter Miami chief cited historical precedents as a roadmap for the move.
“It’s a dream,” Mas explained. “I’ve already had conversations with CONMEBOL and President Alejandro Domínguez. There is a precedent, as Mexican clubs have competed in the Libertadores in the past.”
A Spot for Champions? Between 1998 and 2016, Liga MX teams were regulars in the tournament, with clubs like Cruz Azul, Chivas, and Tigres all reaching the final. Now, following Inter Miami’s dominant 2025 MLS Cup victory, Mas believes the champions of North America deserve a seat at the table.
Inter Miami secured their first-ever MLS title last December with a commanding 5-1 win over New York City FC. Lionel Messi, as expected, was the architect of the victory, showcasing the world-class vision that fans across South America are desperate to see in the Libertadores.
The “Messi Factor” and Logistics While the “Messi lobby” is strong with Argentine FA President Chiqui Tapia reportedly inviting the club personally significant hurdles remain. The main obstacles are the grueling travel logistics and the conflicting match calendars between MLS and South American domestic leagues.
However, the prospect of Lionel Messi finally making his debut in the Copa Libertadores the only major trophy missing from his legendary career is a marketing powerhouse that both CONMEBOL and MLS are finding difficult to ignore.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
