Inter Miami and Lionel Messi will play in the CONCACAF Champions Cup for the first time next season.
The CONCACAF Champions Cup is the North American version of the UEFA Champions League, assembling the top teams from around the region to participate for the top prize.
Miami will be in the competition for the first time in club history. The draw for the tournament takes place on December 13th where Inter Miami will find out its first opponents.
The team was rewarded with a first-round bye, taking them straight to the Round of 16 as a reward for winning the Leagues Cup in August.
This will be the 3rd tournament Miami will participate in, alongside the US Open Cup, and Leagues Cup.
Many worry with Inter Miami’s aging roster that the amount of games played is too much. However, as the organization plans a roster revamp, expect the squad to be different heading into next year.
Inter Miami’s jam-packed 2024
Inter Miami is in for a big 2024.
With Luis Suárez waiting in the wings to join the team, and a full offseason of rest for Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, the Herons are a sleeping giant waiting to get back on to the field.
Sporting Director Chris Henderson has mentioned that the club will add to the roster by being active in the trade market: “Without tipping what we’re going to do in trades, I do feel that we need to have competition in every spot.”
Additionally, according to The Athletic, Miami is the favorite to land coveted free agent Julian Gressel.
Ultimately, Miami’s winter window is looking exciting. Not only will they reportedly add two high-quality players to the roster, but they’ll also have enough depth to challenge for the Champions Cup.
As 2024 inches closer, expect the Heron’s roster to look better than it did a year ago.