Lionel Messi played in the first half alongside Luis Suarez, who just joined Inter Miami ahead of the upcoming MLS season, in the 0-0 draw against the El Salvador national team. This is the Leagues Cup champion’s first warm-up in four friendly matches to prepare for the new season.
Four days after being named Best FIFA Men’s Player, Messi started the new season with Inter Miami. The presence of the 36-year-old Argentine superstar has created a real fever in El Salvador. President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele took the opportunity to meet Messi and welcome the team at the Presidential Palace before the match. While fans packed the Cuscatlan stadium hours before kick-off…
The world champion played in the first half alongside rookie Uruguayan striker Suarez, a close friend after many years of playing together at Barcelona previously. Suarez reunited with Messi at Inter Miami last month after the pair played 6 seasons with Barca, alongside Jordi Alba or Sergio Busquets – who went to Inter Miami last season.
Messi had a few chances to score and created a clear chance for Jordi Alba in the 39th minute, but goalkeeper Mario González saved the shot. Coach Gerardo Martino rested Messi, Suarez, Jordi Alba and Busquets in the second half. The MLS club still controlled the ball, but El Salvador had the best chance to score when Steven Vazquez’s shot hit the crossbar in the 83rd minute. The match ended in a 0-0 draw and of course left a lot of regret for the home fans on Friday night.
Messi, 36, arrived in Miami last July. He scored 10 goals in the first 7 matches to lead the club to its first trophy in history, winning the Leagues Cup final on August 19. Unfortunately, this superstar’s debut season was not complete due to injuries. However, Messi also made MLS proud when for the first time a player playing in this less prominent football background won the Golden Ball and also The Best FIFA.
Inter Miami will face FC Dallas next Monday at the Cotton Bowl, and will then travel to Saudi Arabia to face Al Hilal on January 29, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr on February 2.
