Lionel Messi, Inter Miami set for match series in Peru, Panama, and Honduras before MLS begins
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will play a series of exhibition matches in Peru, Panama, and Honduras next month to complete a five-game preseason tour that starts in Las Vegas and wraps up in Tampa, Florida, as they prepare for the 2025 MLS season.
Inter Miami’s “The Americans Preseason Tour” kicks off in Las Vegas on January 18, when they take on the Mexican champions, Club America, at Allegiant Stadium.
On January 29, they will play against Peruvian champions, Club Universitario de Deportes, at the Estadio Monumental in Lima, Peru.
Four days later, on February 2, Inter Miami is set to face Sporting San Miguelito at the Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez in Panama City, Panama.
Inter Miami will also face the Honduran club Club Deportivo Olimpia at Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula, Honduras on February 8.
The preseason series will end with a match against their in-state rival, Orlando City, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 14.
This five-match preseason tour is a more relaxed schedule compared to Inter Miami’s extensive worldwide tour last year, where they played six matches in locations such as El Salvador, Dallas, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Tokyo over just three weeks.
However, Messi is expected to attract fans across North, Central, and South America during the 2025 tour, helping to enhance the visibility of the MLS club internationally while gearing up for a thrilling season ahead.
This year, Messi and Inter Miami will participate in the Champions Cup, Club World Cup, and Leagues Cup, while also trying to defend their Supporters’ Shield title and aim for another playoff opportunity in the MLS Cup.
“We’re thrilled to announce these five matches against both domestic and international teams throughout the Americas, which will set the stage for an exciting 2025 season,” said Inter Miami’s football operations president, Raúl Sanllehí, in a statement.
“These games will help us prepare for a unique year with several significant competitions, including the FIFA Club World Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, and the MLS.”
Messi was named MLS MVP in 2024, playing a vital role in helping Inter Miami secure the regular-season title and breaking the MLS single-season points record by achieving 74 points, despite the team exiting early in the playoffs against Atlanta United.
In 2025, the club will also have a new coach, as Messi’s former teammate, Javier Mascherano, has been appointed to succeed Tata Martino, who stepped down after last season.
Inter Miami will commence the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup on February 18 with a double-header against Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park, starting at 8 p.m. ET.
The club will open their MLS season against New York City FC on February 22, followed by a second leg against Sporting KC in their Champions Cup matchup on February 25, both at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Upcoming Schedule for Messi and Inter Miami
- Jan. 18: Inter Miami vs. Club América, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, 10 p.m. ET (preseason)
- Jan. 29: Club Universitario de Deportes vs. Inter Miami, Estadio Monumental in Lima, Peru, 8 p.m. ET
- Feb. 2: Sporting San Miguelito vs. Inter Miami, Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez in Panama City, 5 p.m. ET
- Feb. 8: Club Deportivo Olimpia vs. Inter Miami, Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, 8 p.m. ET (preseason)
- Feb. 14: Inter Miami vs. Orlando City, Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, 7:30 p.m. (preseason)
- Feb. 18: Sporting Kansas City vs. Inter Miami, Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, 8 p.m. ET (Concacaf Champions Cup)
- Feb. 22: Inter Miami vs. New York City FC, Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 2:30 p.m. (MLS regular season opener)
- Feb. 25: Inter Miami vs. Sporting Kansas City, Chase Stadium, 8 p.m. ET (Concacaf Champions Cup)