Washington: Inter Miami and Newell’s Old Boys will meet in a pre-season soccer friendly in Fort Lauderdale in February, a match that will feature Lionel Messi and Gerardo Martino against their former clubs. Both clubs said late Monday that the game will be played at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on February 15, Xinhua news agency reported.
Inter Miami manager Martino, who made a club record of 505 first-team appearances with the Argentine side in the 1980s and 90s, said: “I am delighted to be able to welcome my beloved Newell’s to my home in Miami “
He added: “It will be a special game because Newell’s Old Boys is everything that means to me. It will certainly be a great opportunity to prepare for an exciting season.”
Inter Miami said tickets for the match would go on sale on Tuesday. In a separate statement, Newell’s described the match as “unique” and “full of history”, adding that it would connect with Messi and Martino’s football roots.
Messi joined Inter Miami on a free transfer in July after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
He scored 11 goals in 14 games during his first season with the Herons, helping them win the 2023 League Cup, the club’s first trophy.
