Inter Miami and Lionel Messi set for Las Vegas clash against Liga MX giants

Last year's preseason tour saw the Herons compete against teams from El Salvador, the US, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Japan and Argentina.

The record-breaking 2024 Inter Miami season came to a sudden halt with the shock first-round exit to Atlanta United. The Herons lifted the Supporters' Shield but are expected to improve on their play-off performance in 2025.

Last year, Miami embarked on a hectic world tour, pitting teams from El Salvador, the US, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Japan and Argentina, with rather disappointing results. This time they are expected to take it a bit easier, but they have reportedly fielded a large Mexican squad for their preseason preparations.

According to Deporte Total USA, Inter Miami will take on Club América in Las Vegas next month, with January 18 currently listed as the most likely date. The most successful team in Mexican football, Club América, is the current Campeón de Campeones in Liga MX.

With more fans than any other Mexican team, Club América represents a major commercial draw for Inter Miami as they look to host high-profile matches ahead of the 2025 campaign. Both Miami and América have qualified for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup, but they find themselves on different sides of the competition and can therefore only meet in the final.

Inter Miami schedule for preseason matches

The Herons' final pre-season plans are yet to be confirmed, but one match is set. Last month it was confirmed that Miami will take on Florida rival Orlando City at Raymond James Stadium on Friday, February 14.

The venue is usually home to NFL side Tampa Bay Buccaneers and boasts a huge capacity of 75,000. It is not yet clear whether the entire stadium will be used for the match, but a full house would break Inter Miami's attendance record. Currently, the largest audience is the 72,610 fans who watched the regular season game against Sporting Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium.

Orlando President of Business Operations Jarrod Dillon said of the upcoming friendly: “We can't wait to bring the excitement of the Orlando-Miami rivalry to our neighbors in Tampa, and look forward to having the opportunity to play our Lions to show in front of a large crowd at Raymond James Stadium.”

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