Messi's Inter Miami Discovers Their Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 Opponent
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami are setting their sights on multiple goals for 2026, with the most daring being their quest to dominate the continent by capturing their first-ever 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup title.
The Florida club will compete in North America's premier continental tournament for the third occasion in their history, all coming during the Messi period. Following a quarterfinal departure and then a semifinal appearance in recent campaigns, the Herons are now aiming for an even more successful run in 2026.
Following their historic first MLS Cup triumph in 2025, Miami have now secured the league championship and the Leagues Cup since Messi's arrival—alongside a Supporter's Shield. The Concacaf Champions Cup remains as the sole major silverware the club hasn't claimed during the Messi tenure, establishing it as their primary target.
Just one MLS franchise has claimed the Concacaf Champions Cup since 2001, demonstrating the challenging nature of what lies ahead for Messi and his teammates.
Having secured automatic qualification to the round of 16 as MLS champions, Miami bypassed the tournament's initial phase. With the first round concluded, Miami now know their opponent when they begin their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup campaign with quarterfinal qualification at stake.
Inter Miami Learn Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 Opponent
Inter Miami Learn Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 Opponent
MLS club Nashville SC overcame Canadian team Ottawa in the first round, advancing to the round of 16 for a matchup with Miami.
This marks the fourth occasion since Messi's arrival in America that Miami and Nashville will meet in tournament knockout stages, with the Herons claiming victory in all three previous encounters. Miami actually eliminated Nashville in the opening round of the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs to kickstart their championship journey.
Facing Nashville in the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 represents familiar ground for Miami as well. The Herons eliminated Nashville at this exact stage during the 2024 campaign, so they'll be seeking a similar outcome in this year's competition.
Historical evidence points to Miami being heavy favorites to reach the quarterfinals, especially considering Nashville have become Messi's preferred opponents since his South Florida tenure began.
Lionel Messi—Career Stats Snapshot vs. Nashville SC
Lionel Messi—Career Stats Snapshot vs. Nashville SC
When is the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16
When is the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16
The Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 is scheduled for mid-March, with all matches occurring between March 11–19.
Miami will visit Nashville for the opening leg on Wednesday, March 11. The return fixture at home will take place the subsequent week on March 18.
Javier Mascherano's squad has MLS fixtures against Orlando City and D.C. United before the round of 16 begins. Additionally, the second leg versus Nashville will mark Miami's 2026 home opener, though it will be staged at Chase Stadium instead of Miami Freedom Park—the club's new cutting-edge venue.
Who Inter Miami Could Face in Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinals
Who Inter Miami Could Face in Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinals
Should Miami fulfill their favored status and overcome Nashville, the situation becomes considerably more intriguing in the quarterfinals, with two formidable potential adversaries awaiting.
Club América stands not only as Liga MX's most triumphant club historically, but also as the most decorated team in Concacaf Champions Cup annals with seven championships. This represents the level of opposition Miami might encounter with semifinal advancement on the line.
Traditionally, MLS teams have faced difficulties in two-leg series when traveling to Mexico. Should Miami draw América, they might be compelled to play at the intimidating Estadio Azteca, considering the quarterfinals will occur after the legendary venue reopens before the 2026 World Cup.
If Miami sidestep a meeting with the Liga MX powerhouse, their alternative opponent isn't particularly attractive either, as defending Supporter's Shield winners Philadelphia Union possess sufficient talent to derail Miami's championship aspirations.
Regardless, Messi's Herons have steadily progressed in the tournament, and with morale at peak levels, Mascherano's team should be viewed as leading contenders to capture the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.