Inter Miami closed the preseason with a draw against Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel Messi began his career as a soccer player.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — When it seemed that Lionel Messi and Gerardo “Tata” Martino would take the victory with Inter Miami, in the final minutes of an emotional duel full of nostalgia, the team of their loves, Newell’s Old Boys, rescued the tie.
The friendly duel between Inter Miami and Newell’s ended with a 1-1 draw in the reunion of Messi and Martino with the club where they were born as footballers.
Messi gave some touches of his magic to the delight of locals and strangers, that is, for the fans of both teams who filled Inter Miami’s DRV Stadium.
Lionel Messi greets Esteban Fernández and Franco Diaz after the friendly game between Inter Miami and Newell’s Old Boys, the club where the Argentine star began his career as a soccer player. Getty Images/Rich Storry
A cross pass to the left for Diego Gómez, who was offside, a free kick that hit the right post of Argentine goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos and an individual play inside the area in which he dribbled past three rivals were just a taste of what which the Argentine star hopes to do starting next week, when the 2024 MLS season begins.
In the first half, Inter Miami had control of the ball (61 percent), shots on goal (seven against two) and almost 100 more completed passes than Newell’s, who saw their captain leave the field in the 31st minute. , Ever Banega.
Messi’s friend only came out as a precaution to avoid unnecessary physical wear and tear, after he had a league match last weekend and will play two more, including the classic against Rosario Central in the next two days.
In the second half, changes appeared with the score still goalless, including the departure of Messi and Luis Suárez in the 60th minute to a thunderous standing ovation from the vast majority of fans.
Ironically, Inter’s goal was scored by Messi’s replacement, Shanyder Borgelin, who scored with a header from a corner kick in the 64th minute.
Inter Miami will begin its season next Wednesday against Real Salt Lake, while Newell’s Old Boys will hold training in Florida before taking the flight back home.