Revolutionizing MLS: The Arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami Sparks Talks of a New Inter-American Tournament

2023-08-17 22:53:11

The arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami caused a real revolution in the MLS and there are many who dream of being able to capitalize on the presence of the best player in the world on the continent. Among them is Alejandro Domínguez, president of Conmebol.

With the impossibility of modifying the regulations of the Copa Libertadores, at least in the short and medium term, the only alternative is to create a new competition that links South American soccer with Concacaf. That is why both confederations have been in talks for some time.

The intention is to face the champion of Concachampions (León de México), Leagues Cup (which this Saturday will be defined between Messi’s Inter Miami and Nashville SC), the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana, next to be defined in this coming November.

When MLS played Conmebol tournaments

The first time it happened was in the 2001 edition of the extinct Merconorte Cup, which was championed by Millionaires from Colombia. There MetroStars and Kansas City participated, who were eliminated in the group stage: both finished third in their zones and only the first qualified.

Then came their turn in the 2005 and 2007 Copa Sudamericana, with DC United on both occasions as a guest for having won the MLS Cup and the Supporters Shield. The American team entered the round of 16 and was eliminated at the same time, against Universidad Católica and Chivas.

The advance of Conmebol and Concacaf to create a new tournament in January

“CONMEBOL and Concacaf will also organize a centralized final four-style club competition involving the top clubs from the respective confederations. The four participating teams (two from each confederation) will qualify through CONMEBOL’s existing club competitions and Concacaf and the two confederations are working so that the first edition of this tournament is played in 2024.”