Messi in Copa Libertadores? “We are ready for anything, and he certainly is,” says Inter Miami boss
Inter Miami boss Cristian Gonzalez hints at the possibility of Lionel Messi playing in the Copa Libertadores to complete his trophy cabinet.
The football world could be in for a historic treat as rumors swirl regarding Lionel Messi potentially competing in the Copa Libertadores. Inter Miami head coach Cristian González has not ruled out the possibility, suggesting that discussions regarding the legendary Argentine striker's participation in the prestigious South American tournament have been on the table for several years.
The prospect gained significant momentum after CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez jokingly mentioned the idea of the 39-year-old featuring in the competition before he hangs up his boots. For Messi, the Copa Libertadores represents a rare and coveted piece of silverware missing from his otherwise unparalleled trophy collection.
A Long-Standing Discussion
Speaking to the media following a dominant 4-0 victory over DC United, González revealed that the idea of Messi playing in the continental club competition is far from a sudden whim. According to the coach, the club has been exploring this avenue for some time.
“It does not surprise me, because I already knew about [Dominguez mentioning it to Messi]. Besides, my understanding is that we have been exploring this possibility for a few years now,” González told ESPN. He added, “Obviously, we would love it because it would be amazing; plus, as you said, it is one of the few trophies Leo is missing, so I think that really got him excited too.”
While the coach noted that the decision-making process might now be a matter of formality, he emphasized the team's preparedness. “We will see, the decision-making process is a bit of a formality at this point, but we are ready for anything, and he certainly is,” he stated.
Messi's Dominant Return to Form
The news comes as Messi continues to display why he remains the most feared player in the league. In Inter Miami's recent 4-0 rout of DC United—a result that ended a four-match winless streak—Messi was the undisputed star. Returning from international duty, the Argentine maestro delivered a masterclass.
- 47th Minute: Messi opened the scoring with a clinical close-range finish, assisted by his longtime friend Luis Suárez.
- 60th Minute: He doubled the lead, cementing his influence on the match.
- Record-Breaking Run: This performance marked Messi's 10th consecutive Major League Soccer (MLS) match involving a goal contribution.
- Golden Boot Race: Messi currently leads the scoring charts with 23 goals and has provided 13 assists in 2026.
The 'Messi Effect' in the Dressing Room
Beyond his statistical dominance, González highlighted the profound impact Messi has on the culture and standards of Inter Miami. The coach described an environment where the legendary forward's relentless pursuit of excellence forces everyone around him to elevate their game.
“The levels Messi demands are incredible,” González remarked. “He pushes us to give our all. He even gets angry when a play does not come off right. He demands so much of us that none of us can afford to slack off. It constantly challenges us to improve, as a club, as a staff, as a coaching team, and as colleagues.”
As Inter Miami chases the league leaders, Nashville SC, the possibility of a Copa Libertadores run adds a layer of continental ambition to the club's objectives, potentially offering Messi one final, epic chapter in his storied club career.