Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine footballer, is set to take part in an exhibition match in Japan as a part of Inter Miami CF’s preseason schedule. The match, which will see Miami face off against Vissel Kobe, is scheduled to take place on February 7 at the Japan National Stadium. This match will give Messi and his team an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and enhance their gameplay before the upcoming Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
Inter Miami CF is leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of success in the upcoming 2024 season. In addition to their match against Vissel Kobe, the team has already planned several other preseason games. They will be facing the El Salvador national team on January 19, followed by matches against Al Hilal and Al Nassr, both of which are top Saudi Arabian clubs led by Cristiano Ronaldo. On February 4, Miami will also be playing against the Hong Kong Team in Hong Kong.
Inter Miami chief soccer officer Chris Henderson expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming exhibition match in Japan, stating that Vissel Kobe is a powerhouse club in Asia. He highlighted their recent triumph in winning the J1 League and emphasized the importance of playing against such a strong team to further develop Miami’s skills. This match and the entire preseason tour are seen as crucial steps towards building a competitive team capable of achieving their goals in the MLS.
The anticipation for Lionel Messi’s first full season in Major League Soccer is mounting. After his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Miami in July, football enthusiasts in the United States have eagerly been awaiting the chance to see one of the world’s greatest players light up the MLS. With the schedule for the MLS season set to be announced soon, fans are getting ready to witness some sensational performances from Messi and his Inter Miami teammates.
The exhibition match against Vissel Kobe will not only be an intriguing matchup for fans but also a reunion for Messi with his former Barcelona teammates. Vissel Kobe was the previous club of Andres Iniesta, who had a long-standing partnership with Messi at Barcelona. Moreover, Inter Miami also boasts the talents of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, both of whom have played alongside Messi at Barcelona. Iniesta himself is expected to attend the match, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
It’s worth noting that this won’t be the first time Vissel Kobe and a team from the MLS cross paths. In 2019, Vissel Kobe played a preseason friendly against LAFC in Los Angeles. The match served as an opportunity for both teams to test their skills against different styles of play and learn from one another.
Lionel Messi’s participation in the exhibition match in Japan against Vissel Kobe is a significant event that holds great importance for Inter Miami CF as they prepare for the upcoming MLS season. This match, along with the other preseason games, is vital for the team’s growth, providing opportunities to refine their tactics, build chemistry, and strengthen their chances of success in the highly competitive league. Furthermore, Messi’s presence in the MLS has generated heightened excitement among football fans, who eagerly await his performances on American soil. The reunion with former Barcelona teammates during the match adds an extra touch of nostalgia and enthusiasm to the event, making it a must-watch for football enthusiasts around the world.