Andres Iniesta has sent a message to the likes of Lionel Messi ahead of Inter Miami’s pre-season fixture against Vissel Kobe later this week.

The Herons will soon fly to Japan for their final winter friendly away from North America, with Inter Miami coming off the back of a controversial 4-1 win against Hong Kong XI.

With Lionel Messi not featuring in the match due to an injury, there’s already some fears that organizers could pull the plug on Inter Miami’s upcoming fixture against Vissel Kobe due to the Argentine.

Yet these rumors might have just been quickly written off by Iniesta, who posted on Instagram that he is indeed heading to Japan to watch the fixture with his family.

Having moved to Vissel Kobe after a historic career with Barcelona, Iniesta reuniting with his former teammates will be a fantastic moment for the now-39-year-old midfielder.

Indeed, Iniesta was even linked with a move to Inter Miami last year, though the veteran opted for a move to the UAE rather than reuniting with Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez.

Inter Miami will want to impress against Vissel Kobe

For many fans and pundits, Inter Miami’s worldwide pre-season tour has been a complete disaster both on and off the pitch, with the latest drama in Hong Kong another messy episode.

Just one win and embarrassment in Saudi Arabia has left Inter Miami and MLS’ reputation somewhat damaged, yet the Herons can put some pieces back together in Japan.

Vissel Kobe are one of the biggest sides in Asia and are the reigning J-League champions, and Inter Miami will want to prove they can compete with the best the world has to offer.

.