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Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, will face Newell’s Old Boys, his first club in a friendly match. This reunion will be part of Inter Miami’s pre-season preparations ahead of the new MLS campaign. The friendly clash between Inter Miami and Newell’s Old Boys is scheduled to take place on February 15 at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Messi’s Childhood Connection with Newell’s Old Boys
This highly anticipated match will mark the first time Messi goes head-to-head with the club he represented at the youth level and passionately supported as a boy. Interestingly, Messi’s journey in football started with Newell’s Old Boys, where he played until the age of 13.
Subsequently, it was then that he ventured to Europe to sign for Barcelona and join their famed La Masia academy. Undoubtedly, this reunion holds immense sentimental value for Messi, as it brings him back to his roots and allows him to reconnect with his early footballing days.
Inter Miami’s Special Connection to Newell’s Old Boys
Interestingly, Inter Miami boss Gerardo Martino also shares a special connection with Newell’s Old Boys. Martino had a significant spell with the Argentine outfit as both a player and a manager. He holds the record for the most appearances for Newell’s, having represented the club on three separate occasions during the 1980s and 90s.
Martino’s association with Newell’s includes winning four titles as a player and an additional one in 2013 as the head coach. This match will be a reunion for Martino as well, providing him with an opportunity to face his former club.
“I am delighted to welcome my beloved Newell’s to our home here in Miami. It will be a special match due to everything Newell’s Old Boys means to me. It will also be a good opportunity to prepare for what will surely be an exciting season,” said Martino.
Excitement among Inter Miami Fans
Inter Miami’s Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director, Chris Henderson, expressed his delight at arranging this exciting pre-season match against Newell’s Old Boys. The match will be played in front of what is expected to be a capacity crowd at DRV PNK Stadium in south Florida. Henderson emphasized the importance of such matches in preparing the team for the upcoming season.
“We’re very pleased to be able to play this exciting pre-season match at home in front of our fans at DRV PNK Stadium. This match against Newell’s is a great addition to a set of matches that will put us in the best position possible to compete in 2024. We’re excited for what is ahead,” said Henderson.
A Pre-Season Schedule Packed with Excitement
Inter Miami’s pre-season schedule is filled with a series of friendlies to gear up for the new campaign. The match in which Messi will face Newell’s Old Boys is just one of the highlights, with six friendlies in total. One of the standout fixtures includes a blockbuster clash against Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr. These pre-season matches will provide Inter Miami with valuable opportunities to fine-tune their strategies and build team cohesion.
The Final Showdown between Messi and Ronaldo?
One of the most intriguing aspects of the match between Inter Miami and Newell’s Old Boys is the potential final showdown between Lionel Messi and his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo. Additionally, these two footballing icons have been competing for individual and team honors for the past 15 years.
Moreover, the friendly clash in February might be the last time they face each other on the pitch. Consequently, it presents an exciting opportunity for Messi and Ronaldo to claim final bragging rights or even show some unity as football’s two modern greats go head-to-head.
Conclusion
The upcoming friendly match between Inter Miami and Newell’s Old Boys is not just a pre-season encounter; rather, it holds immense emotional significance for Lionel Messi and Gerardo Martino.
Notably, it allows Messi to return to his roots and face the club where his footballing journey began. Meanwhile, for Martino, it’s a reunion with a club he holds dear, having achieved remarkable success as both a player and a coach.
Inter Miami’s fans can look forward to an exciting pre-season schedule, filled with high-profile matches that will prepare the team for the challenges ahead. And for football enthusiasts around the world, the potential final showdown between Messi and Ronaldo adds an extra layer of excitement to this already captivating encounter.
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