Inter Miami wants to play the Copa Libertadores in the next years, according with his president

Inter Miami is currently navigating one of the most ambitious chapters in its history since its founding in 2018. After recently being crowned MLS Cup champions in 2025, the team is not just celebrating a domestic sporting triumph; they already have a much larger ambition in mind. The club's managing owner, Jorge Mas, has surprised the football world by announcing that the next great aspiration for the "Herons" is to play in the Copa Libertadores, a dream that has moved from a mere wish to a much more formal topic of conversation.

The American businessman confirmed that formal contacts have already taken place with CONMEBOL, specifically with its president, Alejandro Domínguez, to study the possibility of the MLS side participating in the most important club tournament in South America. Mas stated that this proposal is not an improvised whim but has solid precedents. For years, clubs from Liga MX (Mexico) participated in the Libertadores with stellar performances, reaching finals and elevating the overall competitive level of the Cup.

Far from keeping his stance ambiguous, the owner of the Rosanegro side reaffirmed his desire out loud. He asserted that the idea of playing in the Libertadores was not just an internal MLS matter but part of his vision for the growth of the club and football across the entire continent. For Mas, Inter Miami is ready to compete with the giants of South American football—such as Flamengo, Palmeiras, River Plate, and Boca Juniors—and face a competition of that magnitude.

Regarding the qualification criteria, Jorge Mas slipped a concrete idea into the conversation: granting spots to the champions of the region's main leagues. Under this reasoning, the MLS champion and the Liga MX champion would be natural candidates for a slot—a requirement Inter Miami already fulfills following their 2025 season coronation. This proposal is based on rewarding sporting merit and ensuring that North American representation is genuinely competitive.

Mas acknowledged that this is a complex issue requiring historic agreements between CONCACAF and CONMEBOL. However, he expressed his conviction that greater integration is beneficial for the sport on a hemispheric level. The participation of North American and Mexican clubs would increase demand, open massive new markets, and grant a fresh layer of global attraction to the Libertadores.

While there are no official definitions or deadlines yet, the mere possibility feels stronger than ever. The thought of Inter Miami—with Lionel Messi as their flagship—featuring in legendary "Copa nights" at iconic venues like La Bombonera, El Monumental, or the Centenario feeds the fantasy of fans and opens a debate that promises to grow.

From a commercial perspective, the inclusion of Inter Miami would be a goldmine for broadcasting rights in the United States and the Middle East. With Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez, potentially touring the most hostile and passionate stadiums in South America, the viewership records would likely shatter previous Libertadores marks. Although the situation remains marked by speculation and logistical hurdles, the message is clear: Inter Miami is not satisfied with North American dominance; they want to conquer the entire hemisphere.