Inter Miami to play friendly against Lionel Messi's boyhood side Newell's Old Boys

Inter Miami have announced they will take on Argentinian outfit Newell's Old Boys in a preseason friendly on February 15 at DRV PNK Stadium.

It will be the sixth friendly that Miami will take part in ahead of the 2024 MLS season. The south Florida side is already set for their first-ever international tour with Lionel Messi headlining the squad.

The match will be full of emotion for both Messi and Miami head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, as the former will be taking on his boyhood club, while the latter is Newell's Old Boys' all-time appearance holder and served as manager from December 2011 to July 2013.

"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," said Martino.

"It will also be a good opportunity to prepare for what will surely be an exciting season."

Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson added: "We're very pleased to be able to play this exciting preseason 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."

Miami's preseason kicks-off against the El Salvador national team on January 19 before the Herons take part in the Riyadh Season Cup in Saudi Arabia against Al Hilal on January 29 and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr on February 1.

The 2023 Leagues Cup winners will conclude their international tour against a Hong Kong XI before taking on Japanese side Vissel Kobe on February 7.

The Herons have reunited several FC Barcelona greats, with Messi, Martino Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets all linking up - they will soon be joined by Luis Suarez.

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