Minnesota United has a chance of hosting Lionel Messi and Inter Miami at Allianz Field later this month.
When the former Barcelona great decided to join inter Miami and Major League Soccer last month, sports fans across the country went searching for when their local MLS side would be hosting one of the greatest soccer players of all-time.
Minnesota fans were left disappointed when they saw Inter Miami were not on the 2023 schedule. Fear not, though, there is still a chance the Loons could play host Miami number ten. It would take making it to the Final of the Leagues Cup
MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX have put their respective seasons on hold to play the newest edition of the Leagues Cup, a World Cup-style competition between the 47 teams from the two leagues.
Minnesota United are currently set to play Liga MX-side Toluca in the Round of 16 after a wild penalty kick shootout win over the Columbus Crew last Friday. Minnesota would then face the winner of the Club America/Nashville game in the quarterfinals, with a match against the West Region to decide who goes on to the Final.
Inter Miami beat FC Dallas in penalties after a wild 4-4 draw in regulation late Sunday night to move onto the quarterfinals. If both Minnesota and Miami meet in the final Minnesota would host the match.
According to Leagues Cup rules, from the Round of 16 on the host is decided by which team had a better 2022 regular season performance. Both Inter Miami and MNUFC finished the 2022 regular season with 48 points but Minnesota wins the tiebreaker with a better goal differential, -3 to Inter Miami’s -9.
The Leagues Cup final is set for Saturday, Aug. 19. Minnesota hosts Toluca in the Round of 16 Tuesday at Allianz Field with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
