LAS VEGAS — Lionel Messi made a significant impact during the first half of Inter Miami’s exhibition match against Club America, leading his team to a dramatic victory in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 tie in regulation on Saturday night.
Messi found the back of the net with a header in the 34th minute, connecting with a pass from Luis Suarez to equalize the match at 1-1. While the crowd erupted in chants celebrating Messi, those cheers were soon drowned out by the pro-Club America supporters.
Notably, Messi had an earlier missed opportunity from close range that left him shaking his head in disbelief just 12 minutes prior to his goal. Throughout the first half, he was also active on the field, winning two free kicks. He played over 60 minutes before being substituted out early in the second half.
This match marked Inter Miami’s opening game of the exhibition season, which is scheduled to include four additional matches across Central and South America. The club is set to kick off its regular season on February 22 against Sporting Kansas City.
Inter Miami anticipated that this friendly against the formidable Mexican team would serve as an important early evaluation under the guidance of their new head coach, Javier Mascherano, who is also a long-time teammate of Messi on the Argentinian national team.
Club America, a powerhouse in Mexican soccer, arrived with a reputation as three-time defending LIGA MX champions and holding the record for a total of 15 titles in the league’s history.
As the MLS season nears, speculation is rampant regarding whether this will be Messi’s final season, as the 37-year-old superstar gears up for the end of his contract. Despite his age, Messi continues to shine as the standout player in MLS and remains a significant draw for fans. His status as one of the greatest players in the history of soccer only adds to the intrigue.
Last season, the former Barcelona icon was named the league’s MVP, having scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists in just 19 matches. Since joining Inter Miami, he has continued to impress with 21 goals and 18 assists across 25 appearances.
Club America initially took the lead in the 31st minute thanks to a goal from Henry Martin, but Messi’s response three minutes later leveled the score. Seven minutes into the second half, Israel Reyes put Club America back in front at 2-1 with a shot from the box following a corner.
However, Inter Miami refused to back down and equalized in the dying moments of the match with a header from Tomas Aviles off another corner kick, leading to a tense conclusion decided by penalty kicks.
