Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Get Surprise Invite to Play in South America’s Champions League

• Lionel Messi has helped Inter Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup final
• He has scored in all six games he has played and is joint-top scorer
• Inter Miami are also invited to play in a South American competition

Lionel Messi's presence and influence continue to open doors for Inter Miami and the latest one is a continental pathway to play a tournament they are not eligible for.

The Argentine ended his two-year association with Paris Saint-Germain and despite offers from Saudi Arabian club, Al-Hilal and former club, Barcelona, he headed for the United States.

Messi joined Inter Miami and has become a subject of attention for the club and Major League Soccer as a whole, thanks to increased revenue and visibility.

According to BBC Sports, he helped the club reach the Leagues Cup final and consequently qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup next season.

Alba elated to reunite with Messi and Busquets at Inter Miami

Football

This may open up a route into FIFA's expanded Club World Cup in 2025 and that's not the end of it.

Inter Miami invited to Copa Libertadores

According to Tyc Sports, Inter Miami received a surprise invitation to the Copa Libertadores next year as a guest to join the usual 47 teams from 10 associations competing in the tournament.

As the biggest football event in South America, Liberatodores is the equivalent of the UEFA Champions League and one Messi has never participated in as Barcelona snapped him up as a 13-year-old.

Argentina Football Association president, Claudio Tapia, was named the brain behind the invitation and is pushing for CONMEBOL to have Messi's team in the tournament, which could come as early as 2024.

If successful, it would be the first time a team from North America will participate in the tournament.

Messi receives 'bodyguard' in Miami

Sports Brief reported on Messi meeting Rodrigo De Paul in Miami as the Argentina midfielder visited his national teammate and David Beckham, at his new club.

The Atletico Madrid star was nicknamed Messi's bodyguard for their closeness on and off the pitch and for how he speaks about the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.