Big news is brewing in South America. Inter Miami might be getting an invite to the 2027 Copa Libertadores. And let's be honest—this is all about Lionel Messi.
When Messi got hurt before a friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico, Inter Miami literally rescheduled the entire match. That's the kind of power Messi has. Fans paid top dollar to see him, not just any MLS team.
Now CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez wants to see Messi play in at least one Copa Libertadores before he retires. According to multiple sources, 2027 is the target year. Inter Miami and one Liga MX team would reportedly get invitations—not because they earned it, but simply because Messi is there.
Here's where it gets tricky. This would need CONCACAF's approval. If Miami gets invited, they'd probably skip the CONCACAF Champions Cup due to scheduling conflicts. That's a big blow for CONCACAF, but they might have to accept it.
CONMEBOL is considering expanding Copa Libertadores from 32 to 36 teams, similar to what UEFA is doing with the Champions League. They might add two to four spots for MLS and Liga MX teams. Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas is pushing hard for this.
What's in It for MLS?
MLS has flirted with South American competitions before but never fully committed. The travel is brutal, and the timing conflicts with their own season. But in 2027, MLS is switching its calendar anyway, which could make this work better.
On one hand, this could be amazing for MLS. Their teams would finally compete in one of the world's most passionate tournaments. The atmosphere and competition level would be unlike anything MLS clubs typically face. For bettors, this opens up fascinating new markets and matchups to analyze.
On the other hand, there's real risk. Top MLS players could get injured in these intense South American clashes. And if a team goes deep in the tournament, they'd miss significant chunks of their domestic season.
For CONMEBOL, having Messi play meaningful matches in South America is pure gold. They missed out on similar opportunities with David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimović. They won't make that mistake again.
But what happens after Messi retires? Would CONMEBOL still want MLS teams, or is this just a one-time cash grab?
The Track Record Isn't Great
MLS clubs have played in CONMEBOL competitions before, but the history is complicated. D.C. United competed in Copa Sudamericana in 2005 and 2007 but didn't advance far either time.
The 2001 Copa MercoNorte was even messier. The New York/New Jersey MetroStars had a decent record but didn't make it out of the group stage. Kansas City played a match in Lima just 24 hours after the September 11 attacks—a decision players later deeply regretted.
Former goalkeeper Tony Meola said it remains his biggest career regret, playing when American sports should have been completely shut down.
Opinion is split on whether MLS belongs in Copa Libertadores. ESPN Argentina's Rosario Pompizzi said she prefers sporting merit over commercial interests. Uruguayan journalist Brahian Kuchman Bottaro agrees, calling it a marketing play that takes away from the competition's essence.
But others see huge potential. Football commentator Filippo Silva thinks top MLS and Liga MX teams are already better than most Copa Libertadores sides, excluding the top Brazilian clubs and maybe one or two from Argentina or Ecuador. He believes they'd definitely reach knockout stages.
Ronnie Tapia from Soccer View Radio calls it a win-win. More quality soccer, fresh matchups, and a real incentive for teams to build competitive rosters. For bettors and fans alike, it means entirely new storylines to follow.
The reality is CONMEBOL needs the money and spectacle that Messi brings. MLS needs the credibility that comes from competing against South America's best. Whether this becomes a lasting partnership or just a one-time Messi showcase remains to be seen.
For now, Copa Libertadores might just be the next big stop in the Lionel Messi traveling circus. And honestly? That might be enough to make it happen.
