Lionel Messi's MLS home turf Miami to host Barcelona soccer game. Check match date, schedule, opponent

UEFA will reluctantly not oppose the tradition-busting plans for Barcelona to play a league game in Miami and for AC Milan to feature in Australia, the European soccer body said. Amid fierce opposition from fan groups across the continent, UEFA consent was a key step for La Liga's plan to stage Villarreal vs. Barcelona in Miami Gardens, Florida on December 20 and Serie A's AC Milan vs Como in Perth in February. UEFA on Monday blamed a lack of clear rules from world soccer body FIFA to block the proposed games, which many fans see as a threat to cut teams' ties to their home communities.

La Liga and its American commercial partner Relevent, an agency co-founded by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, had tried to place a Barcelona game in Florida since 2018 but were blocked by FIFA rules.

Fresh plans were inevitable 18 months ago when FIFA withdrew from a legal action brought by Relevent in a Manhattan court. Weeks later, FIFA said it would review its rules and created a working group that includes UEFA lawyers.


Relevent has since become a key commercial partner of UEFA and the influential European Club Association, being entrusted this year to sell six years' worth of commercial rights for the Champions League and other continental competitions through 2033.

Barcelona should now be placed by Relevent to play in the area where its iconic former star Lionel Messi has moved to play for Inter Miami.

The Dec. 20 game at Hard Rock Stadium would nominally be a home one for Villarreal, which is playing in the Champions League this season. The clash is sure to attract an overwhelming majority of fans wanting to see Barcelona.

Barcelona's financial struggles since before Messi left the club in 2021, initially to Paris Saint-Germain for two seasons, have deepened and a game in south Florida is an opportunity to develop its fan base and brand.

FAQs

Q1. What is Lionel Messi's home club?
A1. Lionel Messi's current club is Inter Miami.

Q2. Where will Barcelona play in the US?
A2. La Liga is planning to stage Villarreal vs. Barcelona in Miami Gardens, Florida on December 20.