Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have arrived in Medellín, sparking huge excitement among fans for the friendly match against Atlético Nacional. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the Wake hotel in El Poblado to welcome the team. The game is set for January 31 at the Atanasio Girardot stadium.
Lionel Messi's arrival in Colombia has ignited a soccer frenzy in Medellín. The Argentine star and his Inter Miami team landed at José María Córdova airport and headed to the Wake hotel in the upscale El Poblado neighborhood. Hundreds of fans gathered early, cheering and applauding as the team bus appeared, holding up phones to capture the moment.
Inter Miami, coached by Javier Mascherano, will face Atlético Nacional in a friendly match on January 31 at 5:00 p.m. at the Atanasio Girardot stadium. The event is part of Inter Miami's Champions Tour and has created national anticipation due to the world champion's presence. To accommodate it, Dimayor indefinitely postponed Nacional's match against Junior, originally scheduled for January 30.
The U.S. team made logistical demands, including a luxury suite over 300 square meters for Messi at the Wake hotel to ensure privacy and comfort. Tickets range from 500,000 to 2,600,000 pesos in platinum zones, available via Tribunaverde. The game will be broadcast on Canal RCN.
Atlético Nacional's president, Sebastián Arango, expressed pride in the matchup: “It is very important that they consider Nacional given what the club represents for Medellín and internationally. For us, it is a source of pride to play that match.” The combined value of both clubs exceeds $114 million, with Inter Miami at $90.71 million and Nacional at $23.47 million, per Transfermarkt. Messi tops the team's market value at $17.8 million.
The clash is not just sporting but commercial, with sponsorships from brands like Apple TV and Gatorade for Inter Miami, and Postobón for Nacional. Atlético Nacional wears Nike, while Inter Miami uses Adidas. Arango highlighted investment plans in infrastructure, such as new fields and store expansions.
