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.
Mas acknowledged that the project would involve joint work between CONCACAF and CONMEBOL, but he framed it within a vision of regional growth. "I know these are issues between CONCACAF and CONMEBOL, but I believe that if, in some way, soccer can continue to grow hemispherically with the participation of North American and Mexican clubs, I believe that the competition would be better", he explained.
Inter Miami's owner also linked this ambition to the sporting development of the club and of North American soccer. He pointed out that the objective is not only to dominate MLS, but to measure itself against the continent's giants and raise the competitive level. "I would love to see whether Inter Miami can someday take part in Libertadores in order to compete with South America's giants. A competition that Leo (Messi) has not played, that is our aspiration", he summarized.
The statements quickly caused a strong impact on social media. The mere possibility of seeing Messi playing Copa Libertadores sparked the excitement of millions of fans and reopened a debate that, although complex from a regulatory standpoint, is once again firmly taking hold in the continent's soccer.
