Where and when Inter Miami & Lionel Messi will play on turf in 2024 MLS season
- Messi's first turf game in MLS was against Charlotte FC in October
- Inter Miami will play against four teams in 2024 who have turf surfaces
- The Herons are seeking their second-ever playoff appearance in 2024
With the 2024 Major League Soccer season released in full, we now know where Lionel Messi will - or won't - suit up in his first full season with Inter Miami on a turf playing surface.
The idea of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner playing on an artificial surface has been a constant topic of discussion ever since the rumors began to appear last summer that he indeed was coming to MLS, as fans from across the league rushed frantically to buy tickets to see the former Barcelona player.
The 36-year-old will no doubt be a hot commodity when Miami hit the road for their 17 away games in 2024, with four of those contests coming against teams that play on turf. While the home teams will want to make sure they can get a packed house when the greatest of all time shows up, don't expect them to install grass for one game to aid Messi and the Herons.
With that being said, here's the four stadiums with turf that Miami are slated to play on in 2024.
1. April 27, 2024 - New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium
The first 'turf game' for Miami and Messi comes against New England Revolution and first-year head coach Caleb Porter on April 27, 2024 at Gillette Stadium.
Not only is it the first time Miami will play on artificial turf next season, but it's also the first time they'll take on the Revs with Messi in their XI. Barring any injuries, he'll be expected to take part in this one being so early in the season.
2. May 25, 2024 - Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place
Just under one month after their first turf game on the Eastern Coast, Messi and Co. will head approximately 3,435 miles northwest across the northern border to take on Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place.
The clash will be Messi's first game against Vanni Sartini's side and the second trip to Canada for Miami in 2024 that comes two weeks after their contest at Stade Saputo vs CF Montreal. Let's hope Messi and his friends bring some UNO Cards for the seven-hour flight.
3. July 3, 2024 - Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium
Fortunately, Messi has already played at Bank of America Stadium against Charlotte FC - on Decision Day back in October when Miami fell 1-0.
Unfortunately for Miami and any fans paying top-dollar to see the legendary figure (but fortunately for Charlotte), Messi will almost definitely be penciled in to miss the clash due to MLS not taking a break during Copa America 2024.
Messi will lead his home country Argentina as they look to secure a second straight Copa America victory after their triumph in 2021, meaning he will not take part in Charlotte against Dean Smith's side.
4. September 18, 2024 - Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Miami's tour on turf concludes with Eastern Conference foes Atlanta United on September 18, 2024, just about a month before Decision Day on October 19.
Miami will be eager to undo their 5-2 thumping they received in the same fixture in 2023, as Messi was set to play his first game on turf and share the field with his Argentinian understudy Thiago Almada, but things changed the night before the clash.
Messi, along with Jordi Alba, didn't even travel with the squad for the game due to 'muscle fatigue,' leaving many fans disappointed after they shelled up hundreds of dollars to end up not seeing Miami's No. 10 play after all.
Should the Herons be alive in the playoff hunt this late in the season, Messi will more than likely want to take part in this one to ensure Miami don't miss out on the postseason again.