The dream of seeing Lionel Messi and Inter Miami compete in South America’s most prestigious club competition, the Copa Libertadores, just got a massive shot in the arm.
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez has publicly declared that the door is wide open for teams from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX to participate in the iconic tournament — widely regarded as the second-most important continental club competition in world football, behind only the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, Dominguez stated unequivocally: “The door is open to them.” However, he stressed that any integration would require an agreement with CONCACAF first. He also acknowledged the respect CONMEBOL has for other confederations while noting it is “an honor” that clubs elsewhere view the Libertadores as the gold standard.
For Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas, who has openly admitted he “dreams” of seeing his club in the competition, these comments represent a major boost. With Messi still lighting up MLS, the Argentine superstar’s presence could prove decisive in pushing the idea forward — even if Inter Miami is not slated for the 2026 edition.
Precedent Exists: Mexican Clubs Blazed the Trail
North American involvement in the Copa Libertadores is not entirely new. Between 1998 and 2016, two Liga MX teams participated annually. Mexican sides reached the final on three occasions — Cruz Azul in 2001, Chivas Guadalajara in 2010, and Tigres UANL in 2015 — but never lifted the trophy. That’s still more final appearances than clubs from Peru, Bolivia, or Venezuela combined.
The arrangement ended after 18 years due to scheduling conflicts and the demanding nature of qualifying alongside the domestic Liga MX calendar.
In 2023, another push from Mexico to reintroduce North American teams was rejected by FIFA and CONCACAF. This time, however, the combination of Messi’s global drawing power and Dominguez’s welcoming stance could change everything.
A Storied Tournament Ready for Expansion?
The Copa Libertadores has come a long way since its inception as the South American Championship of Champions in 1948. Renamed in 1965 in honor of the liberators of South America, it remains the crown jewel of the continent’s club football. Last season saw 47 teams from 10 countries compete, culminating in Flamengo’s triumph in an all-Brazilian final — their fourth title.
With Dominguez openly inviting North American participation, the possibility of seeing Messi and Inter Miami battle South American giants is closer than ever. The soccer world is watching.