One of LaLiga’s objectives is to hold the match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in Miami, corresponding to matchday 18 scheduled for the weekend of December 21/22. This initiative is still in the approval phase. The corresponding permits have been requested from the Spanish Federation and UEFA, but these organisations have not yet commented.
La reality is that the Catalan club sees the initiative in a positive light. It is true that there may be a sporting disadvantage, which the club considers not to be very great, but it offers other benefits that are important for the club.
American sponsors
One of them is the visit to the United States, a country that is supporting soccer for the upcoming World Cup in 2026. It should not be forgotten that the American market is very profitable for Barcelona. Its main sponsors are from US companies: Nike and Aramark. And they are not the only ones, as it also has other minor sponsors such as Travel and Leisure.
Usual in pre-season
This gives an idea of the importance Barcelona attaches to the United States. It is not surprising that in recent years the team has traveled to this country to play several friendly matches in preseason, two of them in the last two years against Real Madrid in what was the first Clasico of the season. Traveling to play this match against Atletico can open up new commercial avenues.
It should also be remembered that LaLiga will take advantage of the match to promote the competition in that country. And in this promotion will participate both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid players. It is another way to enhance the image of the Blaugrana club in that country and another of the reasons why Laporta is pleased with the trip. It is a way to showcase all its figures.
Fan travel
There are two other points that are also important, such as the purely economic one due to the fact that the match is being played in the United States and also the party that the trip of the fans to Miami could be. It is expected that many planes will be chartered so that members can travel to see the match. There will be all kinds of options, from a round trip to trips with a stay of a few days in the US city.