Inviting Inter Miami to compete? The "Messi Effect" sparks interest in the Copa Libertadores.

By Han Bing Soon, South American fans may see Messi in action at the Copa Libertadores venues. This is not a prank but a historic initiative driven by Inter Miami and CONMEBOL. Benefiting from the "Messi Effect," Inter Miami has reaped rich rewards both on the field and economically. However, club owner Beckham and his team are not content with just enjoying Messi’s impact in the North American market; they have set their sights on the entire American continent.

Inter Miami’s general manager Mas revealed in an interview with Olé newspaper a remarkable historic plan — Inter Miami is negotiating with CONMEBOL to participate in the Copa Libertadores, aiming to extend the "Messi Effect" across South America: "I really hope Inter Miami can join the Copa Libertadores, a tournament Messi has never played in." Mas has already discussed the possibility with CONMEBOL president Domínguez. After all, there is precedent as clubs from CONCACAF have been invited to South American club competitions, so no historical barriers exist. Domínguez expressed respect for CONCACAF’s decision, stating that CONMEBOL would only issue an invitation with their consent.

Back in the summer of 2023, when Messi joined Inter Miami, the Argentine Football Association president invited Inter Miami to participate in the 2024 Copa Libertadores. However, due to the allocation of spots and the qualifying system already set, it was unsuccessful. Two years later, with Inter Miami winning the MLS Cup, they now meet the sporting criteria to enter the Libertadores, so the topic has resurfaced.

CONMEBOL president Domínguez maintains an open stance: "The door to the Copa Libertadores is always open. It is an honor for us when teams from other continents view the Libertadores as a world-class competition and actively apply to participate." From 1998 to 2016, two Mexican teams took part annually. During that time, Cruz Azul (2001), Guadalajara (2010), and Tigres UANL (2015) reached the finals but fell short. Mexico’s number of participations (19) matched Ecuador’s and exceeded Colombia’s (17) and Paraguay’s (13).

However, Mexican teams’ participation spanned a long period, with the 2004–2010 qualifiers evolving into a small tournament involving eight Mexican teams. Scheduling conflicts between Libertadores group stages, CONCACAF Champions League knockout rounds, and the Mexican league caused Mexico to withdraw after 2017. In 2023, besides the Argentine FA inviting Inter Miami, the Mexican FA also called for CONCACAF teams to be allowed in the Libertadores, but CONCACAF rejected this proposal.

Moreover, CONCACAF teams have previously competed in other South American continental tournaments. In 2001, Kansas Wizards and MetroStars took part in the North American SuperLiga but failed to advance past the group stage. In 2005 and 2007, D.C. United was invited to the Copa Sudamericana, reaching the round of 16 both times but were eliminated immediately. Additionally, six Mexican clubs as well as one each from Costa Rica and Honduras have participated in this competition.

Yet, the immense popularity and commercial impact of the "Messi Effect" could change everything. Last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup saw Inter Miami defeat European powerhouse Porto and draw with Brazilian giants Palmeiras, further boosting their global influence. Currently, Inter Miami is on a South American tour, playing friendlies against Alianza Lima (Peru), Atlético Nacional (Colombia), and Barcelona SC (Ecuador) to build momentum for Libertadores participation. Although the 2026 Libertadores teams and format are set, Inter Miami has no chance to join then. The earliest possibility is 2027, if CONMEBOL adopts wildcard invitations or a two-legged qualifier allowing CONCACAF teams.

FIFA’s stance on Messi playing in the Copa Libertadores is decisive. Last summer, Inter Miami participated in the Club World Cup despite only being MLS regular-season champions, not playoff champions, showing FIFA’s willingness to capitalize on the "Messi Effect" commercially. Having tasted the benefits, FIFA is unlikely to oppose this in principle. After all, FIFA’s own Arab Cup crosses continental federation boundaries, breaking the traditional rule that teams cannot compete outside their confederations.

Messi recently extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028, and participating in the Copa Libertadores might become the final dream of his professional career.