Alejandro Domínguez wants to see the Trans-Andean star play in the continental tournament, so he would speed up negotiations with Concacaf to finalize the return of teams from this confederation to South American competitions.
Conmebol wants to see Lionel Messi in South America. The Confederation’s idea is for the Argentine star to play in the continent’s most important competition: the Copa Libertadores. However, they know that the Rosario man is unlikely to sign for a club in his country, especially as he has just been introduced as the newest addition to Inter Miami. For this reason, the organization is now promoting an idea that became reality two decades ago: for Concacaf teams to play as guests in the next edition of the continental competition.
The captain of the Albiceleste leaves for the United States with the intention of leading a less eventful life than in Europe. But he does not want to stop the competition. At least that’s what he took it upon himself to say when he debuted in North America. “I really want to win and help the club continue to grow,” were his first words in Florida.
Alejandro Domínguez, president of Conmebol, has already declared his intention for Messi to be able to play games at club level in this part of the world. “When Argentina won the Copa América, I told Leo that he got the first of three goals in front of him. When he won the very final, two out of three. And when he won the Cup world, they were three out of three, but I told him that now the only thing missing was the Libertadores”, assured the leader to ESPN after the planetary competition in Qatar.
When it was confirmed that the footballer would not continue at PSG, the manager insisted, now via social media. “Leo Messi, the Conmebol Libertadores are still waiting for you”, posted the South American Football Authority on its official Twitter account. Shortly after, it was confirmed that the player would cross the pond, but his destination was not a Conmebol-affiliated country. Even so, from the headquarters located in Luque, they see this geographical rapprochement as an unbeatable opportunity.
The first time
Between 1998 and 2016, Mexican clubs participated in international Conmebol tournaments as guests. The Americans were also present a few times, in the Merconorte and Sudamericana cups. However, unlike their southern neighbors, they never participated in the Libertadores. This could change compared to the 2024 edition.
The attraction of having the best player of the last decades pushed the South American Football Confederation to intensify negotiations with Concacaf. Of course, there is a factor that would complicate Alejandro Domínguez’s intention: the present of Inter Miami. The team led by Guillermo Martino march into the final venue of the MLS Eastern Conference.
If Messi is the reason to speed up the deal you will have to collect your teammates quickly. At this time, it is unclear how the North American teams would qualify for the continental tournament. Still, for now, Florida’s cast doesn’t have the sporting merits. Clearly the Argentine star is already setting goals. “I have a lot to gain to start training and competition,” he told the fans.
far from above
Major League Soccer’s format is different from soccer leagues in the rest of the world. For example, it has no descents. Additionally, it has two zones, the Eastern and Western conferences. During the regular phase, all teams play a total of 34 games. At the end of this part of the tournament, the team with the most points among all the participants of the two conferences receives a trophy called MLS Supporters Shield.
But it does not stop there. The top seven from each zone advance to the playoffs, qualifying the top 6 for the conference semifinals and the next 6 for the first round. The winners of this phase accompany the leader to the conference semi-finals, this match and the conference final are played in a single game. Next, the two conference winners play in the MLS Cup Final, which is played just one game away from whichever of the two earned the most points during the regular season. Whoever wins is the champion of the year.
Will they give the calculations? Currently Inter Miami He is 12 points away from aspiring to advance in the round and there are 10 dates left for the close of the regular phase. A comeback is something they aspire to at the hands of Lionel Messi. Situation carefully monitored from Luque. This is the sporting opportunity to bring the best footballer of this century to compete in the Copa Libertadores.
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Source: Latercera
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
