BREAKING: Lionel Messi's Inter Miami invited to participate in prestigious tournament

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have been invited to participate in the next Copa Libertadores, according to reports.

Messi has thrived since making the move from Paris Saint-Germain to Inter Miami this season, scoring nine goals in his opening six matches.

His latest contribution came against Philadelphia Union and saw which saw Inter Miami progress to the final of the Leagues Cup.

But there could be further silverware up for grabs following the news that the MLS side, owned by David Beckham, could be invited to compete in the next Copa Libertadores.

Journalist Hugo Balassone shared the news, claiming that the invitation was made by Chiqui Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, at the request of CONMEBOL chief Alejandro Dominguez.

The tournament is an annual competition which was first introduced in 1960 and is widely considered the highest level of competition in South American club football.

As things stand, the Copa Libertadores is currently limited to the ten CONMEBOL nations - Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

However, it could be extended to CONCACAF, which includes clubs from the United States and Mexico, if plans to expand the tournament are successful.

Dominiguez reminded Messi that the trophy is the one piece of silverware that evades the World Cup winner at the draw for this season's Copa Libertadores in March.

Messi was being honoured with a statue in the CONMEBOL museum, next to Pele and Diego Maradona, after inspiring Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022.

Dominiguez told the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner on stage: "The only cup you’re missing is the Libertadores."

Inter Miami manager Gerardo 'Tata' Martino recently suggested that Messi was a lot "calmer" and "happier" since moving to the MLS.

"You see it in the field; I don't have to tell you, but he's a lot calmer, much happier," Martino said of Messi (quotes via GOAL). "Being happy also has to do with where he's been," he added.

Topics: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, MLS

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno