Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, has revealed plans for a two-game postseason tour in China. Following the conclusion of their 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign, the team will travel to face Chinese Super League sides Qingdao Hainiu FC and Chengdu Rongcheng on November 5th and 8th, respectively. This announcement reflects Inter Miami’s commitment to expanding its club’s global reach and engaging with fans worldwide.
Inter Miami’s chief business officer, Xavier Asensi, expressed his excitement about the tour and the opportunity to share the team’s passion with new audiences. Asensi stated, “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.”
Despite Inter Miami’s recent elimination from playoff contention, Lionel Messi’s presence in the team has been a significant highlight. The Argentine legend, who has scored 11 goals in his debut season with Miami, will undoubtedly be the main attraction for fans attending the games during this two-game tour of China.
Messi’s participation in the tour depends on his recovery from a hamstring injury that limited his appearances in recent MLS games. However, he showcased his commitment by playing 35 minutes off the bench in the loss to Cincinnati and featuring for 37 minutes in Argentina’s 1-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying win over Paraguay.
The Chinese Super League has successfully attracted high-profile Brazilian signings in recent years, such as Oscar, Hulk, Alex Teixeira, and Paulinho. Although some of these players have moved on, the league’s reputation draws attention from both players and fans worldwide.
For Inter Miami, this tour presents an opportunity to build on their successful 2023 campaign, which culminated in their first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup. Additionally, they secured qualification for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, adding to their achievements.
The first stop on Inter Miami’s Chinese tour will be at Qingdao Hainiu’s 50,000-seat stadium, opened in April. Qingdao Hainiu FC returned to the Super League in 2023, earning successive promotions. Currently, they sit in 13th place out of 16 teams, with three games remaining in their season. Coached by Spaniard Antonio Carreño, the team aims to finish the season on a high note.
Chengdu Rongcheng, a club established five years ago, earned promotion in three of its first four seasons. In 2022, they reached the Chinese top flight and finished fifth. Currently, Chengdu Rongcheng holds the sixth position in the table, and they eagerly await their encounter with Inter Miami.
The tour of China presents an excellent opportunity for Inter Miami to not only connect with international fans but also prepare for future seasons. As sporting director and chief soccer officer Chris Henderson stated, “This will be a great opportunity to continue building on our 2023 campaign, in which we achieved our first-ever trophy. We will take this as an opportunity to begin our preparations for 2024, as we look to build on last season and find more success moving forward.”
Inter Miami’s decision to embark on a postseason tour of China demonstrates their determination to expand their club’s global reach and engage with fans worldwide. Lionel Messi’s presence adds further excitement to the tour, where he will undoubtedly captivate fans with his exceptional skills. This tour not only signifies a new chapter for Inter Miami but also provides an opportunity to build on their recent successes and make preparations for future seasons.
Leave a Reply