After a summer of dormancy, Miami finally awoke from it’s slumber. While locally The Miami FC took home the NPSL Championship, there have been no friendlies in the Magic City. Miami was set to miss European club friendlies for the first time since 2016. That all changed with a late addition of two European mega powers in Barcelona and Napoli.
FC Barcelona captain Lionel Messi will not fly to the Miami with his team to contest two friendlies with S.S.C. Napoli after sustaining a right calf strain.
Just a few months ago, it looked like Miami-Dade County would not have a marquee international club friendly at Hard Rock Stadium, breaking a pattern set for years. However, according to Spanish newspaper Sport, some changes to the Spanish Super Cup may allow FC Barcelona return to South Florida.
For years, the Supercopa de España was contested (like most super cups) before the kickoff of the next league season. However, this season’s version has been moved to Spain’s “winter break,” leaving Barcelona more time before competitive matches start.
In this space, Barcelona have secured an agreement with Seria A side Napoli. Two matches have been agreed to, per Sport. The first, on Aug. 7, will take place at Hard Rock. The second, on Aug. 11, will be played at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
Ticket information has not yet been made public.