Messi to play in Argentina Jan. 19 for Inter Miami-River friendly

Lionel Messi will return to play at Estadio Monumental on Jan. 19 for the first time since his Argentina farewell when Inter Miami travels to Buenos Aires to play River Plate in a friendly.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has played a total of 29 matches for Argentina at El Monumental, the most recent on Oct. 6 in his national team farewell, where he played his 208th and final game for Argentina. 

That match ended with his 126th goal capping a 21-year career for the legendary No. 10, which included two Copa América titles and a World Cup.

This game will mark the first time Messi has played a club match in his home country.

Over his career he has face Argentina clubs four times, including beating Estudiantes with Barcelona at the 2009 Club World Cup in United Arab Emirates and again when Barcelona defeated River for the 2015 Club World Cup in Japan.

Messi has also played two other friendlies vs. Argentina clubs: In 2018 with Barcelona beating Boca Juniors for the Joan Gamper trophy and a friendly in 2024 vs. his boyhood club, Newell's in Miami, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

River Plate is one of South America's most successful clubs, boasting 38 domestic titles and four Copa Libertadores trophies.

Earlier this week, Messi was named a finalist for the 2026 Major League Soccer MVP award. The Inter Miami captain seeks to become the first player to win the prize on three consecutive occasions.

Messi already clinched a record second straight Golden Boot award after scoring 26 goals in the 2026 regular season.

Miami said they expect Messi to be joined by Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suárez, Nicolás Otamendi and Thiago Almada for the trip.

Inter Miami's previous preseason tours have included visits to Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Puerto Rico.

Inter Miami will kick off the 2027 Major League Soccer season on Feb. 19 against FC Cincinnati at Nu Stadium.