Lionel Messi set for emotional reunion with former club as Inter Miami announce surprise friendly
Lionel Messi will enjoy an emotional reunion with his first club, Newell’s Old Boys, as part of Inter Miami’s pre-season preparations ahead of the new MLS campaign.
The friendly clash will take place on February 15 at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
It will be the first time Messi goes head-to-head with the club he represented at youth level and who he supported as a boy.
Messi played for Newell’s until the age of 13 before venturing to Europe to sign for Barcelona and join their famed La Masia academy.
Inter Miami boss Gerardo Martino will also face a familiar opponent after his own spell with the Argentine outfit as a player and manager.
Martino is the all-time record appearance holder for Newell’s after representing the club on three separate occasions during the 1980s and 90s, winning four titles and another in 2013 as head coach.
«I am delighted to welcome my beloved Newell's to our home here in Miami,» said Martino.
«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.»
Inter Miami Chief Soccer officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson was delighted the match could be arranged in front of what is expected to be a capacity crowd in south Florida.
Henderson said: «We're very pleased to be able to play this exciting pre-season match at home in front of our fans at DRV PNK Stadium.
»This match against Newell's is a great addition to a set of matches that will put us in the best position possible to compete in 2024. We're excited for what is ahead."
Inter Miami's pre-season schedule boast six friendlies ahead of the new campaign including a blockbuster clash against Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
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