Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have been made aware of the path they must look to tread in a historic CONCACAF Champions Cup campaign.
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Florida-based outfit won the Leagues CupReady for another continental competitionArgentine icon seeking more silverwareWHAT HAPPENED?
The Florida-based outfit are preparing to enter the continental competition for the first time. Success in the inaugural Leagues Cup – as Messi inspired them to a first trophy within weeks of his arrival in the United States – secured qualification for the Champions Cup.
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Messi and Co will not enter the competition until the last-16 stage, but the draw for the first round has been made – with those involved discovering the hurdles they must clear in order to land major silverware. Inter Miami know that they will face either Nashville SC – the side they beat in the 2023 Leagues Cup final – or Dominican Republic minnows Moca in their first outing.
DID YOU KNOW?
Inter Miami are also on the same side of the draw as in-state rivals Orlando City, MLS Supporters’ Shield winner FC Cincinnati, the Houston Dynamo and St Louis City. If Tata Martino’s side were to make it as far as the semi-finals, then they could come up against the Columbus Crew or Mexican giants Tigres.
CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP DRAW
Philadelphia Union vs Saprissa
Toluca vs Herediano
Club America vs Esteli
Chivas Gudalajara vs Forge FC
New England Revolution vs CAI
Houston Dynamo vs St Louis City SC
Tigres UNAL vs Vancouver Whitecaps
CF Monterrey vs Comunicacion
FC Cincinnati vs Cavalier
Nashville SC vs Moca FC
Teams entering in the last-16
CF Pachuca
SV Robinhood
LD Alajuelense
Columbus Crew
Inter Miami CF