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Lionel Messi is poised for a highly anticipated return to the Monumental next year as part of Inter Miami's preseason schedule, which is expected to feature a clash against River Plate in Buenos Aires.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient received a storybook send-off to his illustrious international career with Argentina on Oct. 6. Messi wore La Albiceleste's No. 10 jersey for the last time in a farewell fixture against Benin, which concluded in a 3–0 victory for the hosts.
Heartfelt speeches, emotional tears and an outpouring of adoration from the home supporters followed. Messi, who contributed a goal and two assists on the evening, bid his final farewell to Argentina after 208 caps and 21 years serving his nation.
But within just a few months, he could return to that very same stage, this time donning a pink jersey. Reports recently emerged of a potential friendly between Inter Miami and River Plate, and Herons manager Kily González has now declared the match is "almost confirmed."
It would bring Messi back to the legendary Monumental to play on home turf, in front of supporters who likely believed they would never witness him play in Argentina again.
Potential Friendly Could Be a Career-First for Messi
Should Inter Miami go ahead and face River Plate ahead of the 2027 MLS Sprint season, Messi will have yet another milestone added to his remarkable résumé. The Argentine has never featured in a senior club match in his home country.
Messi was only 13 years old when he departed Argentina to join La Masia, Barcelona's renowned youth academy. Over the nearly four decades that followed, the forward represented the Catalans, Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami.
There was never an opportunity for Messi to play a club game on home soil; in fact, he only ever faced two Argentine clubs—Estudiantes de La Plata and River Plate—in competitive matches, with both encounters coming in the 2009 and 2015 FIFA Club World Cup finals during his time at Barcelona.
The all-time legend also faced Boca Juniors in a preseason friendly with the Catalans, and later took on childhood club Newell's Old Boys in a preseason friendly during his time at Inter Miami.
None of those four matches took place in Argentina, which makes the prospect of facing River Plate at the Monumental all the more extraordinary.
Messi's Focus Remains on 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs
Before Messi can begin dreaming of a homecoming to Argentina, he must first stay focused on guiding Inter Miami to a successful MLS Cup defense. The Herons wrapped up the regular season in second place in the Eastern Conference, setting up a first-round matchup against seventh-place Columbus Crew.
Messi and his teammates host the opening game of the best-of-three series on Saturday, Nov. 21, before heading to Ohio six days later for a potentially series-deciding encounter. Should both sides require a decisive third game, that crucial clash will take place back at Nu Stadium.
It's a considerably tougher test for Inter Miami than the standings might suggest. The Herons suffered a 2–1 loss to the Crew as recently as September, while their August meeting ended in a 2–2 stalemate. Compounding concerns is the team's underwhelming form to end the regular season, with González's side managing just one victory in their final four outings.
The postseason offers a fresh start, however, and Messi now understands what it takes to win MLS glory. Claiming silverware would be the ideal way to cap off the year, with a return to Argentina serving as the perfect way to kick off 2027.