Lionel Messi And Inter Miami Arrive In Colombia For Historic Atletico Nacional Clash
Inter Miami has touched down in Medellin, Colombia, for the second leg of their 2026 Preseason Champions Tour. The reigning MLS Cup champions are scheduled to face Colombian powerhouse Atletico Nacional at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium on Saturday, January 31. This match marks a significant milestone as it represents the first time Lionel Messi will play a match for a club team on Colombian soil. The fixture is generating immense local interest, with reports confirming that a massive security operation is in place to ensure the safety of the Argentine superstar and his teammates.
The preparations for this high-profile friendly, however, come amidst immediate performance concerns for the MLS side. Inter Miami is looking to rebound from a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Peruvian club Alianza Lima in their preseason opener last weekend. Players and coaching staff acknowledged the team looked rusty during the loss in Lima, which was their first competitive action since winning the title in December. Complicating matters further, the club confirmed that newly signed defender Sergio Reguilon suffered a Grade II knee sprain during the match in Peru and faces an indefinite recovery period.
Despite these early preseason hurdles, the anticipation in Medellin remains high. Local organizers report strong ticket sales, and the match is expected to feature a festival atmosphere. Following this contest, Inter Miami will continue their South American tour in Ecuador against Barcelona SC, as they ramp up fitness levels ahead of their 2026 MLS season opener against Los Angeles FC in February. The team is under pressure to integrate new signings and regain their championship form quickly before the official season begins.
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