Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have announced two exhibition games in China next month.
The team, which was eliminated from the Major League Soccer play-offs, will play friendly fixtures against Qingdao Hainiu on November 5 and then another Chinese Super League side, Chengdu Rongcheng, in Chengdu on November 8.
Inter Miami did not specifically mention the involvement of Messi or any other player, though the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was a central figure on the club’s social media announcement.
Messi helped the club to the 2023 Leagues Cup title in a stellar start, but missed several games in September and October as his club’s play-off push faltered, with what was initially described as fatigue being later confirmed as a muscle injury.
China Bound ✈️🇨🇳
This November we will embark on our first-ever international tour to China, seeking to expand our reach in new territory and begin preparations for 2024!
Find out all the details: https://t.co/BKSU9F19LL pic.twitter.com/5fH089htih
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 15, 2023
“This will be a great opportunity to continue building on our 2023 campaign, in which we achieved our first-ever trophy,” Inter Miami sporting director and chief soccer officer, Chris Henderson, said in a statement.
“We will take this as an opportunity to begin our preparations for 2024, as we look to build on last season and find more success moving forward.”
Messi played in China in June, scoring one minute and 19 seconds into a friendly match for World Cup winners Argentina against Australia. He was later surprised by a fan who evaded security to ask for a hug.
Messi also won Olympic gold in China, helping Argentina win the title at the Beijing Games in 2008.
The trip to China will be the first international tour for Inter Miami.
Television or ticket details have not yet been confirmed.
“We’re very excited to continue to expand our club’s global reach, bringing our team to play in front of incredible fans across the globe,” Inter Miami chief business officer, Xavier Asensi, said. “This is a special opportunity to share the passion as we reach new audiences and put ourselves on display in new places, and we’re looking forward to beginning this adventure.”
Inter Miami finish their MLS season this week with matches against Charlotte on Wednesday and Saturday. Messi is currently with Argentina’s national team for World Cup qualifying and featured in a 1-0 win over Paraguay.
(Photo: Getty Images)