Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi is set to return to the Estadio Monumental on Jan. 19 for a high-profile preseason friendly against River Plate.
The exhibition match marks the first time the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will play a club fixture on Argentine soil, according to Yahoo Sports.
Messi previously made 29 appearances for his country at the iconic venue, including a final international outing on Oct. 6.
The Argentine club announced the upcoming fixture through their official social media channels.
During his previous visit, the club’s president, Stefano Di Carlo, honored the playmaker with a plaque and a named shirt, as documented by River Plate.
While this trip serves as his maiden club appearance in his homeland, the forward has faced Argentine opposition four times elsewhere, including a 2015 victory against River Plate in Japan.
The Herons are building their squad around the star, who signed a contract extension through the 2028 campaign, reported Goal.
The club has enjoyed significant success since his arrival, securing the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.
Miami expects a star-studded lineup for the trip, including Casemiro, Luis Suarez, and Thiago Almada.
The match will serve as a warm-up for the visitors before they open their 2027 league campaign.
The team is scheduled to face FC Cincinnati at Nu Stadium on Feb. 19, according to the official league schedule.
Ticket details and specific kickoff times for the Buenos Aires exhibition remain unconfirmed at this time.
This international strategy continues a trend of preseason travel for the American side, which has previously visited Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Puerto Rico.
Messi continues to chase further accolades, having been named a finalist for the 2026 league MVP award.