Lionel Messi, Inter Miami announce China tour with two matches in early November
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are heading to China in November.
Inter Miami CF announced Sunday it will play two international friendlies in China as it hopes to capitalize on Messi’s worldwide celebrity in Asia, while beginning its preparation for the 2024 season.
Inter Miami will play Qingdao Hainiu F.C. in Qingdao, China on Nov. 5 at the Qingdao Youth Football Stadium and Chengdu Rongcheng in Chengdu, China on Nov. 8 at the Phoenix Hill Sports Park.
Broadcast details and ticket information will be available in the coming weeks, according to Inter Miami’s press release.
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Inter Miami’s announcement also means Messi will have a busy November as he manages responsibilities between the MLS club and the Argentine national team qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
What’s the latest on Lionel Messi’s injury?
Messi played in the second half of Argentina’s 1-0 win over Paraguay last Thursday, showing some rust as he hit the post twice on two shots on goal.
Messi has returned to action after a right leg injury hampered him for much of September.
And he’ll be expected to play more despite Inter Miami failing to reach the MLS postseason in his first season with the club.
How many games will Lionel Messi play in October and November?
Messi has three more World Cup qualifying matches with Argentina – the first against Peru in Lima, Peru, on Tuesday.
Then, Inter Miami’s two friendlies in China will dominate Messi’s schedule on Nov. 5 and 8.
Messi likely will return to the Argentine team for matches against Uruguay on Nov. 16 and Brazil on Nov. 21.
With Inter Miami out of the MLS playoff picture, Messi is unlikely to play in Inter Miami’s last two games of the regular season: Wednesday and Saturday, both against Charlotte FC.
More on Inter Miami’s trip to China
Inter Miami’s Nov. 5 match against Chinese Super League standout Qingdao Hainiu F.C. will be at their new, ultramodern 50,000-capacity Qingdao Youth Football Stadium, which opened in April. The team is led by Spanish coach Antonio Carreño, and has been a member of China’s top division since 1997.
Inter Miami’s Nov. 8 match against Chengdu Rongcheng at the Phoenix Hill Sports Park, is also a relatively new venue which seats over 60,000 spectators. Chengdu Rongcheng was founded in 2018, and was promoted in three of its first four seasons. It sits in sixth place in the Chinese Super League standings.
"We’re very excited to continue to expand our Club’s global reach, bringing our team to play in front of incredible fans across the globe. This is a special opportunity to share the passion as we reach new audiences and put ourselves on display in new places, and we’re looking forward to beginning this adventure," Inter Miami’s Chief Business Officer Xavier Asensi said in a statement.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF to play two matches in China in November
