Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami discovers rival for 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup debut

Lionel Messi will focus on the CONCACAF Champions Cup as one of his top goals for 2026 after capturing the MLS Cup last season. Now that the tournament is already underway, InterMiami have now learned their opponent ahead of their debut in this year’s continental competition.

Inter Miami will face Nashville SC in the Champions Cup Round of 16with the first leg scheduled for March 11 at GEODIS Park and the second leg scheduled for March 18 at Chase Stadium. Because the Herons won the MLS Cup in 2025, they earned direct entry into this stage instead of starting in the opening round like most clubs.

For the first round of the competition Inter Miami’s opponent was determined by the winner of the tie between Nashville and Atlético Ottawa. The MLS side seized control of the match with a comfortable 2-0 win on the road in the first leg, putting them in a strong position to close out the series at home.

Nashville and Atlético Ottawa met again Tuesday at GEODIS Park. Despite rotating the squad and resting several stars such as Hany Mukhtar And Sam Surridge after their league opener, the hosts still rolled to a dominant 5-0 winwith Alex Muyl, Jordan Knight, Woobens Pacius, Jack Maher and Ahmed Qasem the scorers in a one-sided performance.

Interestingly enough, the round of 16 showdown between Inter Miami and Nashville marks a rematch from two years ago. In 2024, the clubs drew 2-2 in the first leg in Nashville (with Messi scoring once) before Miami secured a 3–1 win in the second leg to advancesparked by a goal and an assist from the Argentine star.

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Lionel Messi’s strong track record against Nashville

Since his arrival at Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has faced Nashville SC more times than any other US opponent in multiple competitions. Four of those meetings took place in Major League Soccer, three in last season’s play-offs, two in the CONCACAF Champions Cupand one in the Leagues Cup.

During those ten games against the Boys in Gold, Messi has seven wins, two draws and just one loss to his name. They have also become one of his favorite opponents statistically, with the inclusion of the Miami star 15 goals (average 1.5 per match) and four assistshighlighting his consistent dominance in this match.

Inter Miami said goodbye at Chase Stadium

The Champions Cup series will also have added significance for Inter Miami beyond the international stakes, as it will be the club’s last match at Chase Stadium before moving to its new home.

Back in January, Inter Miami confirmed the second leg of the Round of 16 will take place at Chase Stadium, with tickets released for the March 18 date. The Herons will open Miami Freedom Park on April 4 against Austin FC, which will be the team’s first MLS home match at the new venue.