Superstar Lionel Messi of Argentina, along with other players like Uruguay’s Luis Suárez and Spaniards Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, are preparing for Inter Miami CF’s friendly match against Sporting San Miguelito in Panama, the home of famous Panamanian footballer Rommel Fernández, this Sunday.
In addition to taking place in Panama, the game will be played on a field named after the late forward, who tragically died in a vehicle accident in Spain in 1993, rather than the Estadio Revolución.
Messi left a lasting impression when he scored a hat trick during his final game in Panama in 2010. Eager to be a part of this historic occasion, football fans and supporters of the Central American nation’s “Pulga” have already bought their tickets in advance and are hoping to see a similar performance in this friendly encounter.
After training at their facilities after another friendly match against Universitario de Deportes in Lima on January 29, where the pink team won on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time, Inter Miami is scheduled to arrive in Panama this Saturday, according to the event organizers.
The Albiceleste’s captain will play against Sporting San Miguelito, according to Argentine coach Javier Mascherano, who gave this assurance during a press conference in Miami this Friday. He also said that Messi “is doing very well” and is adhering to the plan that the coaching staff has developed. The team hopes to continue preparing for the Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States in June and July of this year, and the MLS tournament, which begins on February 22.
During a news conference last Monday, Sporting San Miguelito coach César Aguilar explained that “it will be an honor to lead a match of this level” and that he is working to “show the best version” of his players on the field.
Sporting San Miguelito had a great start to the 2025 Apertura competition of the Panamanian Football League; after two games, they are tied for first place in Group A with Alianza and Plaza Amador, all of which have four points.
