TAMPA, Fla. — Soccer fans here in the Tampa Bay area will have the chance to see superstar Lionel Messi play right here in Tampa early next year.
According to a release from the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, a Major League Soccer (MLS) preseason game will take place on Feb. 14, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium. Messi's team, Inter Miami CF will face off against Orlando City SC.
The game is reportedly the preseason edition of the Florida Derby. The game will start at 7:30 p.m.
The matchup between the Lions and Herons will be the first MLS match since 2001 played at Raymond James Stadium.
The game is "anticipated to feature the likes of superstars" Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Drake Callender from Inter Miami CF and Facundo Torres, Pedro Gallese, and Duncan McGuire from Orlando City SC.
If Messi plays, it'll be the first time the soccer superstar has played in Florida outside of South Florida, the sports commission says. This matchup will also be the first time either team has competed in Tampa.
For those interested in scoring a ticket to the event, you can fill out a presale ticket form at SoccerInTampaBay.com. This will give you first dibs when the presale opens at 10 a.m. on Nov. 13.
The general public will be able to grab a ticket to the preseason game on Nov. 14.
"We could not be more excited to welcome Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC to our community," Rob Higgins, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Sports Commission said in a statement. "To have the potential opportunity to see a generational icon such as Lionel Messi take the field in our hometown is truly special. This is something that people will tell their grandkids about."
Messi is currently the reigning FIFA World Cup champion and back-to-back Copa America winner. He led the MLS this season with 36 goal contributions. Additionally, he's earned eight Ballon d'Or trophies — awarded to the best player in the world — are the most in the sport's history.
"Legendary Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, United States Men's National Team goalkeeper Drake Callender, and Academy product and United States Olympic midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi are among other stars that currently help round out a top-tier roster," the release said in part.
