Inter Miami CF will open the 2025 preseason with a friendly against Liga MX giants América on January 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We look forward to a competitive and exciting game that will benefit both clubs as we continue to grow and inspire our fans around the world,” said Santiago Baños, América sports president.

Inter Miami enter the game having won the 2024 Major League Soccer Supporters’ Shield and set the league record for most points in a single season with 74, while América could start pre-season as three-time consecutive Liga MX champions.

The Mexico City team became back-to-back winners in the Apertura 2023 and Clausura 2024 before facing CF Monterrey in the second leg of the 2024 Apertura final on Sunday evening.

Beyond the preseason friendly, the two teams could potentially face each other in the 2025 edition of the Concacaf Champions Cup after qualifying.

The Jan. 18 game is set to be the coaching debut of new head coach Javier Mascherano, who replaced Gerardo Martino following the team’s elimination from the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs.

Inter Miami also announced a friendly against Orlando City on February 14 in Tampa, Florida. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas confirmed that the team will go on a pre-season tour while taking the necessary precautions to protect players from injuries.

Mas added the Herons had learned from previous mistakes during the 2023 tour, when they flew around the world to play in Hong Kong, Japan, El Salvador and Saudi Arabia.