Barcelona’s Proposal for Summer Friendly with Inter Miami Faces Obstacles

Updated on January 13, 2024, at 11:09 AM EST

Barcelona has extended an invitation to Inter Miami for a friendly match during their upcoming summer tour in the United States, specifically on the East Coast. However, logistical challenges arise as the proposed match coincides with Leo Messi’s team’s preparation for the Leagues Cup, where they will defend their title shortly after participating in the Copa América on U.S. soil. As a result, Messi’s involvement in the friendly appears unlikely.

The two Barcelona legends, Messi and Sergio Busquets, recently shared another training session at Inter Miami.

Barça is set to return to the United States in 2024, with final dates yet to be confirmed. Considering the Euro 2024, concluding on July 14 (coinciding with the Copa América), and the Olympics, with the football tournament scheduled between July 24 and August 10, Barcelona aims to delay the tour to include international players not involved in the later stages of the Euro.

The upcoming US Tour is expected to be shorter than the 2023 edition, which saw Barcelona spending over two weeks in the U.S. Xavi’s team spent ten days in Los Angeles during their last visit, playing friendlies in Dallas and Las Vegas towards the end of their stay. The plan now is to establish a base from where the team can travel for friendly matches. Initially considering Inter Miami’s training complex, where they visited in 2022, and exploring a friendly against Messi’s team, the idea was dropped due to their Leagues Cup commitments.

Barcelona is now exploring alternative options, and the 2024 summer tour may include stops in Orlando and New York.