As Arsenal gear up for a compelling pre-season tour, a tantalising prospect has come to light.

Lionel Messi, having just signed for Inter Miami, could be making his debut on US soil in the clash against the Gunners during the MLS All-Stars game.

BEIJING, CHINA - JUNE 15: Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts during the international friendly match between Argentina and Australia at Workers Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
BEIJING, CHINA – JUNE 15: Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts during the international friendly match between Argentina and Australia at Workers Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s star-studded pre-season tour

BEIJING, CHINA - JUNE 15: Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts during the international friendly match between Argentina and Australia at Workers Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
BEIJING, CHINA – JUNE 15: Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts during the international friendly match between Argentina and Australia at Workers Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

The coming pre-season presents Arsenal with a rigorous and glamourous tour schedule.

The Gunners have confirmed fixtures against FC Nurnberg, AS Monaco, Manchester United, Barcelona, and the MLS All-Stars.

Each match promises its own level of excitement, but the prospect of coming up against Lionel Messi in his first game after signing with Inter Miami has piqued interest worldwide.

The potential Messi-Arsenal clash

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - JUNE 07: The DRV PNK stadium where the professional soccer team Inter Miami plays games on June 07, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Reports indicate the team has signed Argentine legend Lionel Messi as a free agent. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – JUNE 07: The DRV PNK stadium where the professional soccer team Inter Miami plays games on June 07, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Reports indicate the team has signed Argentine legend Lionel Messi as a free agent. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The MLS All-Stars game could see Messi make his much-anticipated debut on American soil.

Managed by Wayne Rooney, the MLS All-Stars will face Mikel Arteta’s squad on July 20th in Washington DC.

This game could turn into an electrifying debut for the Argentinian star against the North London side.

Arsenal’s pre-season shaping up

An aeriel view of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on February 19, 2022. (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
An aeriel view of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on February 19, 2022. (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)

Under the watchful eyes of Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu, Arsenal’s preparations for the new season will take them across Europe and the US.

After starting their tour at the Adidas HQ in Germany, the Gunners will take on a string of competitive fixtures.

These include an exciting return to the US for a pre-season tour with games against the MLS All-Stars, Manchester United, and Barcelona.

Facing Messi: a significant event

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) vies with Arsenal's Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg football match FC Barcelona vs Arsenal FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on March 16, 2016.  (Photo credit should read PAU BARRENA/AFP/Getty Images)
Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) vies with Arsenal’s Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg football match FC Barcelona vs Arsenal FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on March 16, 2016.  (Photo credit PAU BARRENA/AFP/Getty Images)

Messi’s potential inclusion in the MLS All-Stars line-up would add a layer of intrigue to Arsenal’s pre-season.

It would offer an opportunity for the players to pit themselves against one of the greatest footballers in history at the end of his career rather than at his peak when he terrorised Arsenal in the Champions League.

The road ahead

While the anticipation builds for what could be a historical football moment, the Gunners will be focused on ensuring they hit the ground running in the coming season.

The players will look to make the most of these high-profile pre-season fixtures to get in shape for the new season.