Lionel Messi reportedly set for MLS reunion with Alexis Sanchez as Chile legend joins CF Montreal
Lionel Messi‘s arrival in MLS in 2023 dramatically expanded the league’s global reach, paving the way for world-class international stars to follow in his footsteps. Now, one of Messi’s former teammates is set to join him in North America, as Alexis Sanchez reportedly closes in on a deal with CF Montreal.
According to Chilean outlet El Deportivo of La Tercera, CF Montreal has finalized the signing of Sanchez, with only an official team announcement remaining. The veteran forward arrives in MLS as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with La Liga side Sevilla.
Sevilla reportedly pursued a one-year extension to retain Sanchez, but the former Arsenal star elected to end his 18-year European career to embrace the new project in Canada. The Chile icon will fill CF Montreal’s second Designated Player roster slot alongside Spanish midfielder Ivan Jaime in a two-year deal until 2028.
While the club has yet to issue a formal press release, final contract details are being wrapped up ahead of an official unveiling. On Monday, CF Montreal teased the arrival on social media, describing the acquisition as “one of the biggest names” in franchise history, while managing director Luca Saputo confirmed in a video clip that Sanchez will wear his signature No. 10 jersey.
When could Messi and Sanchez face each other again?
Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez were once dynamic attacking partners at FC Barcelona, sharing the locker room for three seasons between 2011 and 2014 before the Chilean forward departed for Arsenal. Since then, the two South American icons have clashed on numerous occasions in European competition and on the international stage, with a potential Major League Soccer matchup now on the horizon.
see also
Inter Miami face serious risk of Leagues Cup elimination amid Lionel Messi’s absence
The next scheduled meeting between Inter Miami and CF Montreal is set for Saturday, August 29, at Nu Stadium for the 2026 MLS. However, with Messi currently on leave in Argentina following the death of his father and Sanchez lacking match fitness after missing preseason training, fans may have to wait until next season to see the two star forwards square off on a North American pitch.
Lionel Messi dominates the H2H against Alexis Sanchez
While they built a formidable partnership in Barcelona, both legends have frequently found themselves on opposite sides of the pitch, competing in high-stakes club fixtures and intense South American rivalries. When examining the historical head-to-head record, Messi’s statistical dominance over Sanchez becomes immediately clear.
Alexis Sanchez of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring with Lionel Messi. (David Ramos/Getty Images)
Across 16 all-time meetings, Messi and Sanchez have faced off nine times in international matches between Argentina and Chile, alongside seven European club encounters. On the international stage, Messi has compiled six victories while three matches ended in draws, though two of those draws led to penalty shootout victories for Chile in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals.
In European club competitions, the two met seven times, with Messi’s Barcelona emerging victorious against Sanchez during his stints at Arsenal, Manchester United, and Inter Milan. Messi claimed six wins in those seven matchups, with Sánchez’s sole victory coming during the 2022-23 Coupe de France, when Olympique Marseille earned a 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain.
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