Inter Miami’s new President of Football Operations Raul Sanllehi has shared his claim on the Herons potentially playing in the Copa Libertadores.
The South American equivalent of the UEFA Champions League is regarded by most soccer fans as one of the biggest competitions in club football, with many teams forging dynasties due to their performances in the tournament.
With CONCACAF and MLS sides unable to compete in the Copa Libertadores, though, any hope of Inter Miami winning the competition currently does not exist, even if rumors have emerged that the Florida franchise could compete in it with Lionel Messi leading the line.
And Sannelhi has shared his verdict on Inter Miami playing in the Copa Libertadores.
Sanllehi lays out Copa Libertadores dream for Inter Miami
Speaking in his introductory press conference, the former FC Barcelona and Arsenal official revealed that he plans to get Inter Miami into the Copa Libertadores, a move that could change soccer forever in North America.
MLS and Liga MX sides have gone head-to-head in the CONCACAF Champions Cup for well over 60 years, yet migrating and competing in the Copa Libertadores could have big ramifications on how soccer is developed and perceived in the United States.
Indeed, Inter Miami leading the charge for MLS teams to compete in the Copa Libertadores could be revolutionary, and it appears that Sanllehi is keen to make that dream a reality.
Sanllehi said: “That global ambition that Inter Miami has and the historical value of the competition is a goal, an ambition that we have, I return to the motto of the club ‘freedom to dream’ and why aren’t we going to have the freedom to dream of That is an objective, without a doubt.”
Herons competing in the Copa Libertadores might need some time to fully work
Inter Miami and other top MLS sides competing in the Copa Libertadores against the likes of Boca Juniors, River Plate and Palmeiras is something that many soccer fans would get on board with if proposed.
However, the Herons themselves must first have time to fully work out how such an idea would unfold, especially with Inter Miami not even being the best team in North America.
MLS teams have often lacked behind Mexican sides due to the limits on squad spending, yet if this can be overcome, the prospect of Inter Miami being in South America becomes a lot more realistic.