Lionel Messi could return to Argentina next year as Inter Miami are reportedly close to arranging a pre-season friendly against River Plate at Buenos Aires’ iconic Monumental Stadium.
Inter Miami manager Kily González has indicated that the proposed fixture is almost confirmed, potentially giving the Argentine superstar another opportunity to play in front of his home supporters.
The match would hold special significance for Messi, who has never featured in a competitive senior club fixture in Argentina.
He left his homeland at the age of 13 to join Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and subsequently represented Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. Although he has faced Argentine clubs in international and friendly fixtures, none of those matches took place on Argentine soil. A potential appearance against River Plate would therefore mark a memorable occasion in his career.
Before turning his attention to the proposed tour, Messi remains focused on Inter Miami’s MLS Cup title defence.
The club finished second in the Eastern Conference during the regular season and are set to face Columbus Crew in the opening round of the playoffs. Inter Miami will be hoping to secure another MLS title before beginning preparations for the 2027 season.
Lionel Messi shares a special connection with Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium, having made 29 appearances there for Argentina, scoring 20 goals and providing 11 assists without suffering a defeat. His most recent appearance at the venue came on October 6, 2026, when Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in what was billed as his farewell match for the national team.
Messi also has a previous competitive connection with River Plate, having faced the Argentine club in the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup final in Japan while representing Barcelona. He scored the opening goal in Barcelona’s 3-0 victory.
However, despite his illustrious career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, the 38-year-old has never played a senior club match on Argentine soil. A potential appearance at the Monumental would therefore mark a first in his professional career.
