Villarreal vs Barcelona to Be Played in Miami — Smart Move or a Step Too Far?

The Spanish Football Federation and UEFA have officially approved a historic La Liga match between Villarreal and Barcelona to be played in Miami. Similar proposals are being discussed elsewhere — for instance, Milan and Como are reportedly set to face off in Perth, Australia.

But how should we really feel about this growing trend of exporting domestic matches abroad?

Money Over Tradition?

Taking a league fixture outside its home country doesn’t necessarily mean long, exhausting flights or excessive stress for the players. In fact, the distances covered in European competitions are often comparable, and the potential financial gain from staging a game abroad can be far greater — both for the clubs and for the league itself.

For La Liga, constantly playing catch-up with the Premier League, this move could be seen as a smart business strategy. Every extra source of income helps to close the gap. Perhaps the outrage over “one match a year” abroad is exaggerated.

Football as a Global Product

Football is no longer just a sport — it’s a global commercial product. Following the example of the 2025 Club World Cup, both Villarreal and Barcelona are expected to earn around €8 million from this single match. However, such financial windfalls often come with plenty of complications.

The Problems: Time Zones, Empty Seats, and Weather Risks

The first issue is time zones. Because of Miami’s hot and humid climate, the match will likely be scheduled late at night — meaning that in Europe, fans will have to watch it even later, well past midnight.

Then there’s the local interest problem. U.S. fans often show more enthusiasm for major tournaments or star-studded friendlies. A regular-season La Liga game might not fill the stands, leading to disappointing attendance and a lack of atmosphere.

Finally, there’s the weather factor. Florida’s unpredictable storms could easily disrupt the match or even lead to a postponement — a logistical nightmare for broadcasters, clubs, and fans alike.

The Verdict

The idea of bringing La Liga to Miami looks bold on paper and could generate serious revenue — but it also highlights how modern football keeps drifting away from its roots. While money and global exposure seem irresistible, the game risks losing the sense of locality and passion that made it the world’s favorite sport in the first place.

Published by Patrick Jane
07.10.2025