Earlier, Pumpido expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of Messi playing in South America's main continental tournament. "I hope he can say goodbye by playing the Copa Libertadores because it is also his desire," Pumpido said in a conversation with Rosario media, and emphasized that the interest in having world-class figures is due to the historical relevance of the event. "CONMEBOL always wants to have the best players in the world," he added, mentioning recent cases of international stars competing in South American tournaments. CONMEBOL recalled that there are concrete precedents: Mexican clubs participated in the Copa Libertadores between 1998 and 2016, with outstanding campaigns and finals played. Buenos Aires, January 28 (NA) – The possibility of Lionel Messi playing in the Copa Libertadores has been forcefully raised again after the statements of Jorge Mas, one of the owners of Inter Miami. The businessman acknowledged that he is holding conversations with Alejandro Domínguez so that MLS teams and, in general, Concacaf can participate again in the Libertadores and the South American Cup, and defined it as "a dream," according to the Noticias Argentinas Agency. Domínguez himself confirmed that the issue is on the table, although he clarified that the definition does not depend exclusively on CONMEBOL. Domínguez was clear on this: "The door was left open, but if they want to return, they have to do so through Concacaf." For now, the chance to see Messi playing the Libertadores remains a latent wish, although the message was forceful: it is not impossible and the debate remains open. According to the explanation, any progress must be resolved within Concacaf, the confederation that groups the United States, Mexico, and Central America, respecting the institutional agreements between organizations. In this context, Nery Pumpido, current director of development at CONMEBOL, also referred to the possibility: "There is talk, but for now there is nothing," although he left the door open by remarking that "in football nothing is difficult".
