Messi, Suarez Starts Inter Miami’s Preseason with a 0-0 Draw

Lionel Messi, the newly crowned FIFA’s best men’s player, has started his preseason with Inter Miami of Major League Soccer (MLS).

The Argentine star, along with his new teammate Luis Suarez, played in an exhibition match against the El Salvador national team, resulting in a scoreless draw.

This article looks into Messi’s journey with Miami, his reunion with Suarez, and the team’s upcoming MLS season.

Messi and Suarez Reunited at Inter Miami

Following their successful six-season stint at Barcelona, Messi and Suarez have reunited at Miami for the upcoming MLS season.

The duo showed their skills during the exhibition match against Salvador, marking the start of their partnership on the field once again.

Fans eagerly anticipated their performance, packing the Cuscatlán stadium hours before kickoff.

Preseason Match Against El Salvador

Miami faced off against the Salvador national team in an exhibition match to kickstart their preseason.

The match ended in a scoreless draw, but it provided an opportunity for Messi and his teammates to fine-tune their skills and establish their chemistry on the field.

Despite the lack of goals, Messi had a couple of scoring chances and even set up Jordi Alba for a scoring opportunity in the 39th minute.

However, Salvador’s goalkeeper, Mario González, deflected the shot.

Meeting with El Salvador’s President

Before the match, Messi and the Miami team were hosted by Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, at the Presidential House.

This meeting offered a unique opportunity for the players to interact with the political leader and experience the warm hospitality of the host country.

Such encounters further promote the growing popularity of football and its ability to bridge cultural and political boundaries.

Resting Key Players in the Second Half

Miami coach Gerardo Martino made strategic decisions in the second half of the exhibition match, opting to rest Messi, Suarez, Alba, and Sergio Busquets.

Despite the absence of these star players, the team maintained control of possession.

However, Salvador had the best scoring chance when Steven Vázquez’s shot rattled the crossbar in the 83rd minute.

This moment served as a reminder of the competitiveness and unpredictability of the game.

Messi’s Impact at Inter Miami

Messi’s arrival at Miami last July has already had a significant impact on the team.

In just seven games, Messi scored an impressive 10 goals, showcasing his exceptional skills on the field.

His contributions were instrumental in leading Miami to their first-ever trophy, as they emerged victorious in the Leagues Cup final on August 19.

Messi’s presence has undoubtedly elevated the team’s performance and raised the bar for success in the MLS.

Upcoming Matches for Inter Miami

As the preseason progresses, Miami has a series of exciting matches lined up.

Next, they will face FC Dallas at the Cotton Bowl on Monday, providing another opportunity for Messi and his teammates to show their skills and build cohesion as a team.

Following this, Miami will embark on a journey to Saudi Arabia, where they will go head-to-head with Al Hilal on January 29, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr on February 1.

These matches against formidable opponents will test the team’s mettle and provide valuable experience ahead of the MLS season.

Conclusion

Messi’s preseason journey with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer has begun with great anticipation and excitement.

The reunion with Luis Suarez and the exhibition match against the El Salvador national team marked the start of their partnership on the field.

As Messi continues to make his mark in the MLS, fans eagerly await the upcoming matches and the impact he will have on Miami’s performance.

The journey has just begun, and the synergy between Messi, Suarez, and the entire team promises an exhilarating season for Miami and their dedicated supporters.

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