Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will travel to China in November.
Inter Miami announced on Sunday that it will play two international friends in China, hoping to capitalize on Messi’s international popularity in Asia while starting preparations for the 2024 season.
Inter Miami will face Qingdao Hainiu FC on November 5 at the Qingdao Youth Football Stadium and Chengdu Chengdu at the Phoenix Mountain Sports Park in Chengdu, China on November 8.
Broadcast details and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks, according to a press release from Inter Miami.
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The news from Inter Miami also means Messi will have a busy November as he takes on responsibility for the MLS club and Argentina’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
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In the second half of Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay last Thursday, Messi’s performance was a bit rusty, with both shots hitting the post.
Messi has returned to action after a right leg injury that sidelined him for much of September.
Although Inter Miami failed to reach the MLS playoffs in his first season with the club, he is still expected to get more playing opportunities.
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Messi will also face Argentina in three World Cup qualifying matches – the first against Peru in Lima, Peru on Tuesday.
Next, Inter Miami’s two Chinese friends will dominate Messi’s schedule on November 5th and November 8th.
Messi is likely to return to the Argentina squad for the games against Uruguay on November 16 and Brazil on November 21.
With Inter Miami out of the MLS playoffs, Messi is unlikely to play in Inter Miami’s final two games of the regular season: Wednesday and Saturday, both against Charlotte FC.
More information about Inter Miami’s trip to China
Inter Miami’s November 5 match against Chinese Super League champions Qingdao Hainiu FC will be played at the new, ultra-modern Qingdao Youth Football Stadium with a capacity of 50,000 people, which opened in April. The team is led by Spanish coach Antonio Carreño and has been part of China’s top league since 1997.
Inter Miami will play against Chengdu Rongcheng on November 8 at Phoenix Mountain Sports Park, also a relatively new venue with a capacity of more than 60,000 spectators. Chengdu Rongcheng was founded in 2018 and has been promoted in three of the first four seasons. Currently ranked sixth in the Chinese Super League standings.
“We are extremely excited to continue to expand the club’s global reach and have our teams play in front of incredible fans around the world. This is a special opportunity that allows us to share our passion with new audiences and play in new Show yourself in the competition. Inter Miami chief commercial officer Xavier Asensi said in a statement: “We look forward to starting this adventure. “
