Superstar Lionel Messi is set to have a truly special reunion as he prepares to face his childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, in a preseason friendly match. This highly-anticipated encounter will take place on February 15 at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Inter Miami CF will proudly host the Argentine team. For Messi, it will be a sentimental moment as he takes on the club that witnessed the birth of his football journey.
Not only will Messi be returning to his roots, but Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino will also encounter a team from his past. Martino made his debut as a player with Newell’s Old Boys in 1980 and still holds the record for the most appearances in the club’s history. Sharing his excitement, Martino expressed, “I am delighted to welcome my beloved Newell’s to our home here in Miami. It will be a special match due to everything Newell’s Old Boys means to me. It will also be a good opportunity to prepare for what will surely be an exciting season.”
Martino’s connection with Newell’s goes beyond his playing days. As both a player and a coach, he achieved remarkable success with the team. As a player, Martino won four titles as the leader of Newell’s midfield. Then, as a head coach, he added another title to his name in 2013. Such an accomplished career with the club heightens the significance of this upcoming matchup.
Inter Miami’s preseason schedule is already brimming with thrilling fixtures, and the addition of this friendly against Newell’s Old Boys only enhances the anticipation for the upcoming MLS season. The team will embark on an international tour, commencing with a game against the El Salvador national team on January 19 in San Salvador. The journey will then take them to Saudi Arabia, where they will face Al Hilal on January 29 and Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al Nassr on February 1.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Messi and Inter Miami will also have the opportunity to showcase their skills against top players from the First Division league in Hong Kong on February 4. The international tour will conclude with a match at the prestigious Japan National Stadium on February 7 against Vissel Kobe. This diverse range of opponents will undoubtedly serve as excellent preparation for Inter Miami as they gear up for the challenges of the upcoming season.
The upcoming preseason friendly between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF and his childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, is no ordinary match. It symbolizes a special reunion for Messi and coach Gerardo Martino as they return to the roots of their footballing journeys. As both teams gear up for an exciting season ahead, this match will serve as an invaluable opportunity to prepare and entertain fans. The rich history and personal connections between the players and staff involved add an extra layer of significance to an already highly-anticipated matchup. Football enthusiasts around the world eagerly await this special encounter that transcends the boundaries of clubs and continents.