Lionel Messi set to play former club Newell’s Old Boys as Inter Miami announce friendly
Lionel Messi is set to face his former club Newell’s Old Boys after Inter Miami confirmed a friendly against the Argentine side for 15 February.
Messi spent six years in the youth system at Newell’s Old Boys — scoring 234 goals and forming part of the club’s famed ‘The Machine of ’87’ youth team, named after the year of their birth — before joining Barcelona in 2000.
Messi is a lifelong fan of Newell’s Old Boys having been born in their city of Rosario, while Inter Miami boss Gerardo “Tata” Martino also has a close relationship with the Newell’s, he is their club record appearance holder (505) having spent the majority of his playing career at the club and managed them in the 2012-13 campaign.
“I am delighted to welcome my beloved Newell’s to our home here in Miami,” Martino has said.
“It will be a special match due to everything Newell’s Old Boys means to me. It will also be a good opportunity to prepare for what will surely be an exciting season.”
The match will be played at Inter Miami’s home DRV PNK stadium in Fort Lauderdale on 15 February.
“We’re very pleased to be able to play this exciting preseason match at home in front of our fans at DRV PNK Stadium,” Inter Miami’s chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said.
“This match against Newell’s is a great addition to a set of matches that will put us in the best position possible to compete in 2024. We’re excited for what is ahead.”
