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When you've claimed every available title, there's only one logical next step: broaden your horizons.
That appears to be the reality facing soccer icon Lionel Messi, who has accumulated 48 official trophies throughout his 20-plus-year career at both club and international level. Since turning professional in 2004, he has gone without silverware in just two seasons (2013–14 and 2019–20).
Since arriving at Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has added the Leagues Cup (2023), MLS Supporters' Shield (2024), MLS Cup (2025), and the Campeones Cup (2026) to his collection. The only title that has eluded the Herons is the Concacaf Champions Cup, with their best run ending at the semifinal stage in 2025.
In other words, Messi is hungry for more silverware, and a major opportunity could soon come knocking for Inter Miami: the Copa Libertadores.
Could Inter Miami Compete in Copa Libertadores?
Historically a competition reserved for South America's elite clubs, Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez has hinted at the possibility of opening the tournament to MLS sides—most notably Inter Miami—at some point down the line, subject to an agreement with Concacaf. "The door is open to them," Dominguez stated in January, following Miami owner Jorge Mas publicly declaring his "dream" of entering the competition.
While no MLS club has ever taken part in the Libertadores, two Liga MX sides participated annually between 1998 and 2016. The arrangement was ultimately dissolved after 18 years due to scheduling conflicts.
"It has been done before, but we are very respectful of the other confederations," Dominguez added back in January. "But yes, it is an honor that teams from other confederations view the Libertadores as a benchmark for international and global competition."
Dominguez reignited the discussion just last week, teasing Messi about the prospect of playing in the Copa Libertadores during the forward's farewell appearance for Argentina in Buenos Aires. The idea has the full backing of current Miami head coach Kily González, and Messi himself is reportedly "excited" by the prospect.
"My understanding is that we've been exploring this possibility for years now," González said on Friday. "Obviously, we'd love it because it would be incredible; plus ... it's one of the few trophies Leo is still missing, so I think that really got him fired up too. We'll see — the decision-making process is somewhat of a formality at this point, but we're prepared for whatever comes, and he certainly is."
González also highlighted Messi's relentless drive to win, saying: "I see [Messi] every day, and the standards he sets are extraordinary — he pushes us to give everything we have. He even gets frustrated when a move doesn't come off. He demands so much from all of us that no one can afford to let up. It constantly challenges us to grow, as a club, as a staff, as a coaching unit, and as individuals."
Messi is currently tied to a three-year contract extension with Miami running through the end of the 2028 season, after which retirement may beckon. The 39-year-old has already stepped away from international football and has suggested his time at club level is also winding down. As a result, Conmebol will need to move quickly if it hopes to finalize an agreement with both Concacaf and FIFA to bring Messi and his teammates into the prestigious annual competition.
The Concacaf Champions Cup is also held annually, meaning there is still time for Messi to add that trophy to his remarkable haul as well.