Messi and Inter Miami Discover Their Potential 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Rivals
Inter Miami discovered their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 opponent will be determined by the two-leg matchup between Nashville SC and Atlético Ottawa, as revealed in Tuesday's draw ceremony.
Lionel Messi guided the Herons to championship success this past weekend with a commanding 3–1 triumph over Vancouver Whitecaps, securing the franchise's inaugural MLS Cup trophy. The eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient had previously captured the 2023 Leagues Cup during his seventh match for Inter Miami, though the continent's most coveted prize has remained beyond his grasp.
In a twist of fate, Vancouver was the team that crushed Miami's hopes of claiming the 2025 Champions Cup with a dominant 5–1 aggregate semifinal triumph in April. Messi's inaugural experience in the tournament during 2024 concluded at the quarterfinal round against Mexican side Monterrey.
The Argentine captain now understands that he and his squad will encounter either a well-known adversary or an entirely fresh challenge. Miami battled Nashville on five occasions during 2025, securing four victories throughout those encounters, including the crucial playoff opener in the MLS Cup's initial round.
In stark contrast, Miami has never previously met Canadian Premier League side Atlético Ottawa. The capital-based organization is even more recently established than Inter Miami, founded in 2020 as an affiliate of Spanish La Liga club Atlético Madrid. Messi has extensive experience against that particular opponent, scoring 32 times across 43 matches versus Los Rojiblancos. If the Canadian version of Atlético manages an upset by defeating Nashville in the opening round, Miami will hope Messi can replicate that impressive scoring record.
Why Are Inter Miami Not Playing Round One of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup?
Miami had previously secured their spot in next year's Champions Cup through their outstanding regular MLS season performance, achieving the third-best overall record throughout the league. Nevertheless, as MLS Cup champions, they received the additional benefit of bypassing the opening round and advancing directly to the round of 16.
The Herons aren't the only team receiving this advantage. Seattle Sounders earned identical treatment after overcoming Miami to capture this year's Leagues Cup championship. Jamaica's Caribbean Cup winners Mount Pleasant and Central American Cup victors Alajuelense similarly advanced to the final 16.
Mexican domestic champions receive the same privilege. Nevertheless, the 2024–25 Liga MX season was divided into two parts, featuring separate Apertura and Clausura winners. Toluca secured the latter title and, having maintained a superior points-per-game average compared to Apertura champions Club América, earned their place in the round of 16.
When Is Inter Miami's First Concacaf Champions Cup Game?
Due to their MLS Cup champion status, Miami can observe the opening round proceedings in February from the sidelines. Understandably, particular focus will be directed toward the battle between Nashville and Atlético Ottawa.
Messi and his teammates will have their opportunity to join the continental competition during Spring, with the opening leg of their round-of-16 encounter scheduled between March 10–12, 2026. The determining second leg will follow the subsequent week, March 17–19, 2026.
Miami's 2026 MLS season is scheduled to commence against Son Heung-min's LAFC on the evening of Feb. 21, 2026.
Miami's home leg in the round-of-16 tie promises to be fascinating. While the club won't host their inaugural league match at the new Miami Freedom Park venue until April, they're expected to inaugurate it with their Champions Cup fixture the month before.