Messi and Beckham conclude troubled pre-season with yet another loss
Inter Miami’s troubled pre-season tour of the Middle East and Asia has come to a disappointing end with yet another loss. The MLS side suffered a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat against Japanese team Vissel Kobe after a goalless draw. This defeat marks their third loss in four tour matches, making it a disastrous pre-season for the team.
One positive aspect for Inter Miami was the return of Lionel Messi, who had been sidelined due to a hip adductor injury sustained during the Saudi Arabia leg of the tour. Messi’s presence on the pitch was highly anticipated, especially after he missed the match against a Hong Kong XI, which resulted in fans expressing their displeasure and chanting “Where is Messi?”.
The Argentine superstar made an appearance for the final 30 minutes of the match against Vissel Kobe, and he certainly made an impact. Messi turned on the style at the Japan National Stadium, delighting the sold-out crowd in Tokyo. However, despite his efforts, Inter Miami was unable to secure a victory.
Throughout the tour, Inter Miami had the experience of former Barcelona players Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba at their disposal. However, their contributions were not enough to help the team finish on a high note. Miami’s only win in the tour came against a Hong Kong XI, but it is worth noting that none of the former Barcelona quartet started in that match.
This disappointing result follows a 6-0 thrashing by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and a 4-3 defeat to Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Alhi. The team’s performance in these matches has raised concerns among fans and local officials, who were left displeased by Messi’s absence in Hong Kong.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also faced jeers from fans during the tour. Despite his attempts to thank supporters, his words fell on deaf ears. It has been a challenging pre-season for the team, and both Messi and Beckham are eager to return home.
“I’m a little tired from this whole tour. I have a desire to finish up the last game and to return home,” Messi expressed during a news conference. The 36-year-old superstar’s fatigue is understandable, considering the grueling nature of the tour.
Inter Miami will have one final pre-season match against Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, on February 16. This match will take place in Florida before the team kicks off the 2024 MLS season with a home clash against Real Salt Lake on February 22.
As Inter Miami wraps up their troubled pre-season tour, they will be hoping to regroup and find their form before the start of the MLS season. With the return of Messi and the support of their experienced players, the team has the potential to bounce back and make a strong impression in the upcoming matches.