MLS
When does Messi and Inter Miami’s preseason start? Date, time and rival
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have lined up a series of warm-up friendlies ahead of the 2024 MLS season, which gets going in late February.
As Inter Miami prepare for the 2024 Major League Soccer campaign, which gets underway in late February, Lionel Messi and Co are to play a number of preseason friendlies - chiefly outside of the United States.
As things stand, Miami have confirmed six warm-up games, beginning with a trip to Central America to face the El Salvador national team.
The only US preseason friendly that the Florida franchise has announced is a match-up with Argentinians Newell’s Old Boys at DRV PNK Stadium, six days before Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino’s men get the MLS regular season up and running.
Head coach Martino, who is poised to add former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suárez to his Miami squad, has said he is planning for an approximately 40-day preseason period, with his players beginning training in early January.
Inter Miami’s first preseason game: when, where?
Inter Miami are to take on El Salvador at the Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador, El Salvador, on 19 January 2024. Kick-off in the Salvadoran capital is scheduled for 8pm ET/5pm PT.
What are Inter Miami’s other 2024 preseason games?
After facing El Salvador, Inter Miami are to travel to Saudi Arabia, where they will face two games in the Riyadh Season Cup - against Neymar’s Al Hilal on 29 January, and against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr on 1 February. With Neymar ruled out long term by a torn anterior cruciate ligament, the Brazilian won’t feature.
The Herons then fly to Hong Kong to take on the Hong Kong national side on 4 February, before moving on to Tokyo for a clash with Vissel Kobe three days later. On 15 February, Inter Miami host Newell’s - Messi and Martino’s former club - in Fort Lauderdale.
Inter Miami's preseason fixture schedule: at a glance
- 19 January, 8pm ET: El Salvador vs Inter Miami, San Salvador
- 29 January, 1pm ET: Al Hilal vs Inter Miami, Riyadh
- 1 February, 1pm ET: Al Nassr vs Inter Miami, Riyadh
- 4 February, 4am ET: Hong Kong vs Inter Miami, Hong Kong
- 7 February, TBC: Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami, Tokyo
- 15 February, TBC: Inter Miami vs Newell’s Old Boys, Fort Lauderdale
When does Inter Miami’s 2024 MLS season start?
Miami, who are bidding to return to the playoffs in 2024, welcome Real Salt Lake to Fort Lauderdale in the MLS’ regular season’s curtain-raiser on Wednesday 21 February 2024. Kick-off at DRV PNK is set for 8pm ET/5pm PT.
The 2023 Leagues Cup winners play their first away game of the new MLS campaign on 25 February, when they visit Los Angeles Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park. Kick-off in California is at 9:30pm ET/6:30pm PT.
How can you watch the 2024 MLS season?
You’ll be able to watch every game on MLS Season Pass, a subscription service on the streaming platform Apple TV+.
Video - 12-year-old Brahim idolises Messi:
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