With no competitive club football between October 2023 — when Inter Miami failed to qualify for the MLS playoffs — and late February 2024, Lionel Messi is currently enjoying a rare elongated break from action.
But Messi now has something to look forward to, after it was announced that his Inter Miami side would host Newell's Old Boys in a friendly before the MLS season officially kicks off. The game will take place at DRV PNK Stadium in Florida in front of what is likely to be a capacity crowd, even for a preseason fixture.
It will be a special occasion for Messi and for Inter Miami head coach, fellow countryman Tata Martino, who had a long and distinguished career at the club as a player before taking charge for a season back in 2012.
The Sporting News provides all the details on the preseason friendly and why it will mean so much for Messi and his manager.
MORE: When does Lionel Messi's 2024 season begin with Inter Miami?
When is Inter Miami vs. Newell's Old Boys? Date, time, tickets
Inter Miami will host Argentinian outfit Newell's Old Boys at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Thursday, February 15, 2024, with the exact kickoff time yet to be determined.
Tickets went on sale on Inter Miami's official website on December 19, with season-ticket holders able to purchase from 10 a.m. ET on that date and general sale starting at 2 p.m.
"We're very pleased to be able to play this exciting preseason match at home in front of our fans at DRV PNK Stadium," said Inter Miami's sporting director Chris Henderson.
"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."
Where to watch Inter Miami vs Newell's Old Boys
Broadcast details have not yet been confirmed, but it's likely that will be announced when a kickoff time is agreed, with plenty of interest in this particular fixture for many.
The club from Rosario is heading to Miami 🇦🇷🏠
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 18, 2023
Don't miss the preseason friendly against Newell's Old Boys on February 15! Tickets go on sale on December 19 at 10 AM ET, with priority for season members. Details: https://t.co/3uunHkgunV#InterMiamiCF x @Newells pic.twitter.com/idEg8imXg9
Lionel Messi and Tata Martino history with Newell's Old Boys
Lionel Messi's relationship with Newell's Old Boys dates back to when he was just six years old and he joined their youth system. After growing up in Rosario, in Santa Fe, Argentina, Newell's were Messi's local team and therefore he supported them — and still does, to this day.
Messi is said to have struck more than 500 goals for Newell's youth sides between the ages of six and 13 as part of the 'Machine of 87' — the all-conquering academy team named after the players' year of birth.
Messi never actually got the chance to play for the Newell's senior team as he was snapped up by Barcelona as a teenager and joined the La Masia academy in Catalonia instead. He's previously teased the prospect of playing for Newell's one day before he retires.
"I still have to play in Newell's and that is my dream," Messi told Ole in 2017. "But, as I was saying recently, I do not know what will happen a few years from now or how I will be to come back.
"I would love it and I always said it but I hope I can continue at this level to get back to Newell's because it's what I dreamed of since I was little."
This game will be a special occasion for him in itself, as well as for his Inter Miami coach Tata Martino, who had three playing spells for Newell's Old Boys and is their record appearance-maker. Martino also coached Newell's in 2012/13 before spells at Barcelona, the Argentina national team, Mexico and now Inter Miami.
"I am delighted to welcome my beloved Newell's to our home here in Miami," Martino said of the fixture.
"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."