Lionel Messi is evidently going back to China, after Inter Miami took advantage of not making the Major League Soccer playoffs by signing a deal to play two exhibitions there next month
Argentina's Lionel Messi gestures during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Paraguay at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. , after Inter Miami took advantage of not making the Major League Soccer playoffs by signing a deal to play two exhibitions there next month.
Inter Miami's announcement of the deal did not specifically mention Messi or any other player, though it would be surprising if Chinese officials agreed to the games without some sort of guarantee that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner and the team's other best-known standouts — Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba among them — would be making the trip if physically able.
Messi also won Olympic gold in China, helping Argentina win the title at the Beijing Games in 2008. He and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham have enormous followings in Asia, along with several endorsement deals in the region. That suggests this trip could be another major financial win for Inter Miami. MLS officials said Messi's jersey has been the league's top seller in 2023 — even though it wasn't on sale until July — and the team has told its season ticket holders that it plans to increase prices dramatically for the 2024 season.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Messi's Inter Miami team strikes 2-game deal to play in China in NovemberLionel Messi is evidently going back to China, after Inter Miami took advantage of not making the Major League Soccer playoffs by signing a deal to play two exhibitions there next month. The team said it would play a pair of friendlies against Chinese Super League teams, first in Qingdao, China against Qingdao Hainiu on Nov.
Read more »
Inter Miami de Messi firma acuerdo para 2 juegos de exhibición en noviembre en ChinaLionel Messi evidentemente volverá a China después de que el Inter Miami aprovechó que el equipo quedó fuera de los playoffs de la Major League Soccer para firmar un acuerdo de dos partidos de exhibición el próximo mes.
Read more »
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami to play 2 exhibition games in China in NovemberInter Miami took advantage of not making the Major League Soccer playoffs by signing a deal to play two exhibitions in China next month.
Read more »
Inter Miami de Messi firma acuerdo para 2 juegos de exhibición en noviembre en ChinaLionel Messi evidentemente volverá a China después de que el Inter Miami aprovechó que el equipo quedó fuera de los playoffs de la Major League Soccer para firmar un acuerdo de dos partidos de exhibición el próximo mes.
Read more »
Wembanyama fills the stat sheet against Miami in preseason home debutThe Spurs make their preseason home debut tonight vs. the Heat.
Read more »
Jeff Bezos Buys Second Mansion Near Miami Beach for $79 Million: SourcesThe Amazon founder has spent $147 million total for his Florida homes
Read more »