Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence at the reopening of the Estadio Azteca is unknown, where an injury keeps the mystery as to whether he will be part of Portugal’s squad to face the Mexican national team on March 28
CR7 was the trump card to delight the return of the ‘Coloso de Santa Ursula’, which was undergoing a renovation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, it is not known if it will be ready in time. In light of this, there is already a ‘Plan B’, and that is to welcome another international star: Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi in Mexico?
Everything is in Club America’s hands for ‘La Pulga’ to have the opportunity to be at the new Estadio Azteca, to which they will seek to return after the FIFA international break
The Eagles’ board of directors is planning to return home after the Mexico vs Portugal match, so it is aiming to play its Concachampions matches there, as well as the rest of the Clausura 2026 Liga MX season, which would include the Clasico Joven against Cruz Azul on April 11
Based on this, if Club America and Inter Miami manage to advance to the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup, they will meet at this stage, noting that the first leg will be played between April 7 and 9, and the second leg between April 14 and 16, where the Eagles will host the second chapter
A decision of which FIFA is already aware, so the Estadio Azteca would open its doors again, at least in April, before the facilities are handed over in May for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
When does the Estadio Ciudad de Mexico have to be delivered to FIFA?
It should be remembered that, according to the regulations, the host country, in this case Mexico, has to deliver its stadiums one month before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, so the Estadio Azteca could have activities and events throughout April
However, authorization must be received from the authorities to give the green light that all safety requirements are met, as well as having completed its remodeling. With this, these matches could be played in the so-called Estadio Ciudad de Mexico:
- April 11 – Club America vs Cruz Azul (Liga MX)
- April 14-16 – Club America vs Inter Miami (Concachampions)
- April 18 – Club America vs Toluca (Liga MX)
- April 25 – Club America vs Atlas (Liga MX)
Thus, if Cristiano Ronaldo does not arrive at the ‘Coloso de Santa Ursula’, the ‘Plan B’ is Lionel Messi, where Inter Miami (which drew 0-0 with Nashville in the first leg), could face America (which won 0-1 against Philadelphia Union) in the quarterfinals of the Concachampions.
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