The start of the official season will bring an unprecedented challenge for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami: playing a match in sub-zero temperatures with a high chance of snow. The team, led by Javier Mascherano, will face Sporting Kansas City in the first round of the Concachampions, but beyond the opponent, the weather will be a crucial factor. The match, scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, is expected to take place with temperatures around -22°C (-7.6°F), something completely unusual for a player used to milder climates.

Never before has Messi played an official match in such extreme conditions. While he has played in cold cities during his time at Barcelona and PSG, the level of freezing temperatures and the possibility of heavy snowfall raise questions about his performance. Even his friend and former teammate Luis Suárez has mentioned in past interviews that the Argentine struggles when playing in freezing temperatures, leading to doubts about whether he will be able to perform at his best in this scenario.

For Inter Miami, adaptation will be key. The team has just finished a preseason against teams from Mexico and South America in very different weather conditions. The contrast between Florida’s climate and Missouri’s will be a challenge not only for Messi but for the entire squad. Additionally, player safety will be a top priority, as there have been past Concacaf matches where extreme cold significantly affected players' physical performance.

Despite the difficulties, expectations are high. Messi will look to lead Inter Miami in its first-ever Concachampions campaign, a tournament that could pave the way for the 2025 Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 Club World Cup. However, the first obstacle will be overcoming the harsh weather conditions and proving that, even in the snow, his magic remains intact.

The big question remains: can Messi adapt and shine in such an adverse setting? On Tuesday, February 18, the football world will find out.