Inter Miami returned to action in 2026 with Lionel Messi as its biggest star, but the return to training was quickly overshadowed by a statement that shook continental soccer. Jorge Mas, owner of the Florida club, publicly expressed his desire for the institution to take part in the Copa Libertadores.
During a press conference at the team's training ground, Mas confirmed that there have already been formal contacts with CONMEBOL and with its president, Alejandro Domínguez, to explore that possibility. He also argued: "There are precedents, because Mexican clubs have previously played Libertadores".
The executive was even more emphatic when he set out his position and raised the message to an institutional level. "I really would like to play Libertadores and I have said it, I say it publicly, I say it within the league... I believe that MLS champions, as well as Liga MX champions, might deserve a spot", he stated, making it clear that his proposal aims at a structural change in the continent's competitions.
