Messi Returns to the Monumental With Inter Miami to Face River Plate
Lionel Messi will return to Estadio Monumental on January 19, 2027, but this time as an opponent of River Plate. Inter Miami will play a preseason friendly that will bring the Argentine superstar back to the stadium where he said goodbye to La Albiceleste.
Estadio Monumental will once again welcome Lionel Messi, although this time the story will be completely different.
After bidding farewell to the Argentina national team in October, the World Cup winner will return to Buenos Aires wearing the Inter Miami jersey to face River Plate in an international friendly.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, January 19, 2027, and was officially announced by River Plate through the club's social media accounts.
The game will be part of the American club's preparations for the upcoming MLS season and will also allow River Plate to continue building toward the start of the Argentine domestic campaign.
For River Plate supporters, the occasion will be particularly special: seeing Messi back on the Monumental pitch, although this time he will be wearing the visiting team's colors.
The Stadium Where Messi Said Goodbye to Argentina
The return will carry special significance for the Inter Miami captain.
On October 6, Messi played his final match for the Argentina national team at the Monumental, helping La Albiceleste secure a 3-0 victory over Benin.
That night marked the end of an extraordinary international career, highlighted by the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph and the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles.
However, his farewell also strengthened his special connection with River Plate.
Before the match, club president Stefano Di Carlo welcomed the Argentine superstar and presented him with an honorary membership card, a commemorative plaque, and a River Plate jersey bearing his name.
The tribute also included a reference to the greatest achievement of his career: December 18, 2022, the date Argentina secured their third World Cup star.
Now, just over three months after that emotional farewell, Messi will return to the same stadium for another memorable occasion.
Messi Has Already Faced River Plate and Scored Against Them in a Final
Although the friendly will mark his first appearance in Argentina wearing an Inter Miami jersey, it will not be the first time Messi has faced River Plate.
Their most notable previous meeting came in December 2015, during the FIFA Club World Cup final in Japan.
On that occasion, the Argentine superstar represented Barcelona, who entered the match as European champions.
The team managed by Luis Enrique secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Marcelo Gallardo's side, with its attacking stars delivering an outstanding performance.
Messi opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Luis Suárez completed the victory with a second-half brace.
More than a decade later, the Argentine will face River Plate once again, although under completely different circumstances.
This time, there will be no trophy at stake, but the match promises to be one of the most attractive fixtures of the preseason.
Inter Miami Prepare for Another Season With Messi as Their Leader
The trip to Buenos Aires also forms part of Inter Miami's plans to continue expanding their international presence.
The American club are building their long-term project around Lionel Messi, who extended his contract through the end of the 2028 MLS season.
Since arriving in 2023, the Argentine has transformed the history of the Herons, playing a leading role in triumphs such as the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters' Shield, along with other achievements that have helped establish the club in North American soccer.
In September 2026, Messi also reached 100 goals for Inter Miami, becoming the first player in club history to achieve that milestone.
The squad also features internationally experienced stars such as Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suárez, and Casemiro, adding even more excitement to their upcoming visit to Argentina.
Meanwhile, River Plate will use the friendly to test themselves against international opposition and offer their supporters a special spectacle ahead of the new season.
The match has already been announced, although additional details, including kickoff time and ticket sales, have yet to be revealed.
Lionel Messi will return to the stadium where he brought his international career to an end, ready to begin another chapter, this time as River Plate's opponent.
The Monumental will once again welcome one of its most beloved visitors, although on this occasion, the iconic No. 10 will be on the other side of the pitch.
Key Takeaways From Messi's Return to the Monumental
- River Plate have announced a friendly against Inter Miami for January 19, 2027, at Estadio Monumental.
- Lionel Messi will return to the stadium where he said goodbye to Argentina on October 6, 2026, and where he was honored with an honorary River Plate membership.
- The Argentine previously faced River Plate in the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup final, scoring in Barcelona's 3-0 victory.
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini
Inter Miami CF
