Global soccer icon Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates are set for an intriguing preseason trip to Honduras, where they’ll face local powerhouse C.D. Olimpia in a friendly on February 8th. The match, to be played at the Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula, was confirmed by the city’s mayor Roberto Contreras and is generating major buzz among fans eager to see the legendary Argentine in action.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami in a blockbuster move last year, will get his first taste of Honduran football in the upcoming exhibition. The 37-year-old forward is expected to play a key role as Miami looks to build on their successful 2024 campaign, where they won the Supporters’ Shield while setting a new MLS points record.
A Stern Test for Messi & Co.
While just a friendly, facing Olimpia on their home turf should provide a worthy challenge for Messi and his Miami teammates. The 34-time Honduran champions are the country’s most successful club and no strangers to high-profile encounters, having reached the CONCACAF Champions League final in 2017.
New Miami head coach Javier Mascherano will also be in the spotlight as he makes his managerial debut. The former Barcelona and Argentina midfielder takes over a talent-laden squad headlined by Messi, his ex-Barça teammate Sergio Busquets, and rising star Felipe Valencia. How quickly Mascherano can get this group to gel will be crucial to Miami’s trophy aspirations in 2025.
Honduras Prepares for Messi Mania
Unsurprisingly, news of Messi’s impending visit has sent Honduras into a frenzy. Mayor Contreras urged fans to quickly buy tickets and reserve flights, anticipating huge demand to see the “world’s greatest player” at the 37,000-seat Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano.
The city of San Pedro Sula welcomes Leo Messi and Inter Miami to play against Olimpia.
– San Pedro Sula mayor Roberto Contreras
The excitement is palpable and for good reason – it’s not every day that the GOAT comes to Honduras. Messi’s mere presence is a monumental event for the soccer-mad country and will ensure all eyes are on San Pedro Sula come February 8th.
A Jam-Packed Preseason for Inter Miami
The high-profile friendly is part of a busy exhibition slate for Inter Miami as they gear up for the 2025 season:
- Jan 18: vs. Club América – Las Vegas, Nevada
- Feb 8: at C.D. Olimpia – San Pedro Sula, Honduras
- Feb 14: vs. Orlando City SC – Tampa, Florida
Those appetizing matchups will have Miami feeling battle-tested by the time they host NYCFC in their Feb. 22nd MLS opener. A few days prior, they’ll jump right into high-stakes action in the Concacaf Champions Cup first round against Sporting Kansas City.
One thing’s for sure: it won’t be a dull preseason for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF. From glitzy Sin City to the San Pedro Sula fortress, they’ll be tested at every stop as they aim to hit the ground running in 2025. The showdown with Olimpia may be a friendly, but it promises to offer a fascinating glimpse into Messi’s Miami and the Mascherano era. Buckle up.
