Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Handed Boost As CONMEBOL Chief Opens Door to MLS Participation in Copa Libertadores

Inter Miami have cemented themselves as one of the best North American teams ever since Lionel Messi’s arrival on a free transfer in July 2023. And, they could soon participate in the Copa Libertadores, organized by the South American governing body CONMEBOL.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Might Take Part in New Competition

During a recent chat with Globo Esporte, CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez stated Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX clubs are welcome to play in the Libertadores.

“The door is open to them (to feature in the Copa Libertadores). It is an issue we must first discuss with CONCACAF. We are very respectful of the other confederations. However, it is an honor that teams from other confederations view the Libertadores as a benchmark for international and world competition,” Dominguez commented.

MLS and Liga MX clubs do not currently play in the Copa Libertadores as they are affiliated with CONCACAF, not CONMEBOL. They instead compete in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, a tournament comprised of 27 teams from 41 CONCACAF member associations.

On the other hand, 47 clubs from 10 CONMEBOL member associations feature in the famed Copa Libertadores, a competition that was first held in 1960 by CONMEBOL.

Earlier in January, Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas expressed his wish to witness his club play in the Copa Libertadores, similar to some Liga MX clubs in the past.

“It’s a dream… and obviously, I’ve already had conversations with CONMEBOL to see about our participation. There are precedents, because in the past (from 1998 to 2016), Mexican clubs have already competed in the Libertadores. I want (us) to play in the Libertadores… I’ve already said that publicly,” Mas remarked.

For a club from a non-CONMEBOL member association to feature in the Copa Libertadores, FIFA, CONMEBOL, and CONCACAF all have to issue special authorizations.

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Meanwhile, CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani stated in December 2023 that FIFA had denied a proposal for CONCACAF clubs to play in the Libertadores in the future.

“Regarding the Libertadores, we had a request from the Mexico Football Federation (FMF) to play in it. We spoke with FIFA and we sent a document back to the FMF that was denied; it was not authorized. CONCACAF didn’t authorize either because we have our own official competition,” Montagliani revealed.

According to The Athletic, CONCACAF’s position on the prospect of its clubs participating in the Libertadores is still unchanged. CONMEBOL ignored a request for a comment.