The LaLiga match between Villarreal and FC Barcelona on Matchday 17 will be played in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium. The game is scheduled for the weekend of December 21 and will be Barcelona’s final fixture before the festive break.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta, Villarreal president Fernando Roig, and LaLiga president Javier Tebas agreed that this match is a great chance to connect with fans in the United States.
“We hope to see all our fans in the United States again and thank LaLiga for this opportunity,” said Laporta. “Miami is a city with many Barça fans, and a competitive match there will be a great show.”
Villarreal president Fernando Roig shared a similar view, saying that the match will help the club reach fans from around the world and strengthen both Villarreal and LaLiga’s global presence.
Javier Tebas added that LaLiga has millions of international supporters who deserve the chance to experience a live game. “The goal is to bring Spanish football closer to global fans while still respecting those who attend matches in Spain,” he said.
This will be Barcelona’s first official LaLiga game in Miami. The club has previously played four friendly matches in the city during pre-season tours.
Barcelona last visited Florida in 2022 for a friendly against Inter Miami at the Chase Stadium. Xavi’s team won 6-0 with goals from Aubameyang, Raphinha, Ansu Fati, Gavi, Memphis, and Dembélé. That match was also Raphinha’s first appearance for Barcelona.
The Hard Rock Stadium has hosted several memorable Barça matches. In 2017, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in a historic Clásico, the first ever played in North America. Messi, Rakitić, and Piqué scored in front of over 66,000 fans. Two years later, Barcelona beat Napoli 2-1 at the same venue, with goals from Busquets and Rakitić.
However, Barcelona’s first game in Miami ended in a 4-1 defeat to Chivas Guadalajara in 2011, when David Villa scored their only goal.
Now, Miami and the Hard Rock Stadium will host Barcelona once again – this time for their first-ever competitive match in the city, with valuable LaLiga points on the line.
