Inter Miami are arguably the biggest club in MLS since the arrival of Lionel Messi, with talk of competing in the Copa Libertadores something that has lingered since the transfer.
The premier club competition in South America has long flirted with the idea of inviting CONCACAF teams to take part in some editions of the tournament, with Inter Miami’s President of Football Operations Raul Sanllehi a fan of the Herons one year being involved in the Copa Libertadores.
With Inter Miami competing in next year’s FIFA Club World Cup, there is a precedent set already that could lead to the Florida franchise competing in the Copa Libertadores, especially if Javier Mascherano can lead the Supporters’ Shield holders to glory in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
And CONMEBOL could soon make a proposal to invite Inter Maimi to play in the Copa Libertadores.
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez to propose Inter Miami as Copa Libertadores competitors
According to El Crack Deportivo, CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez will soon meet with other officials to discuss the possibility of inviting CONCACAF clubs to compete in the Copa Libertadores, with Inter Miami, of course, the most appealing side for this potential idea.
With CONCACAF nations taking part in this summer’s Copa America, relations between the two soccer governing bodies are already strong, with this bond likely to grow if the likes of Inter Miami are invited to compete in the Copa Libertadores.
Indeed, Messi has never taken part in the competition, with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also two legends of soccer who are yet to play in the Copa Libertadores, a competition that, on a global scale, only comes close to the UEFA Champions League.
And if Dominguez’s proposal is accepted, there’s a real chance that Messi and company will be playing in the Copa Libertadores, a prospect that a lot of Inter Miami and soccer fans will be excited by if it were to become a reality.
Which Inter Miami players have played in the Copa Libertadores before?
Inter Miami’s South American roots run deep given the history the state of Florida has with the continent and the level of quality the Herons now have in their squad in virtually every position.
And as a result, Inter Miami have players in their roster who have competed in the Copa Libertadores, from superstar striker Luis Striker to defenders Tomas Aviles and David Martinez, with Marcelo Weigandt also getting some minutes in the competition with Boca Juniors.
With no player in the Inter Miami squad yet to win the competition, though, the Herons taking part will be a huge incentive for the likes of Suarez to try and add another famous piece of silverware to their trophy cabinets, with Messi likely also eyeing up a Copa Libertadores title.