The preseason friendly between Inter Miami Club and the El Salvador team, which took place on January 20 (Vietnam time), marked the long-awaited reunion of two soccer legends, Messi and Luis Suarez. This match not only signaled the impending start of the 2024 MLS season but also marked the first time in over three and a half years that these two renowned players shared a field since their time in Barcelona.
Messi and Luis Suarez, alongside Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, have joined the ranks of Inter Miami’s premier team. It marks a remarkable reunion for this formidable quartet from Barcelona Club, as they find themselves donning the same club jersey once again after many years.
Nevertheless, the progress of this formerly renowned quartet in the Inter Miami jersey appeared to be rather sluggish. Their tempo seemed a tad lackluster during the initial 45 minutes of the game, until they managed to string together a few impressive sequences, presenting Messi with scoring chances. However, the El Salvador team’s goalkeeper, Martinez, displayed an exceptional save to deny them a goal.
Having Messi, Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets on the team definitely improves Inter Miami’s ball possession. However, they didn’t have many chances to score, apart from Messi’s opportunity towards the end of the first half and a couple of other goal-kicking situations. On the other hand, the El Salvador team played with a proactive counter-attacking defensive approach, constantly creating dangerous situations for Inter Miami Club’s goal.
Following a goalless first half, coach Tata Martino of Inter Miami made some strategic substitutions in the second half. Aware that Messi, Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets had only recently resumed their pre-season training after a year-long break, Martino decided to give them some well-deserved rest.
Inter Miami kicked off their 2024 MLS season with a friendly match, resulting in a goalless draw against the formidable team from El Salvador.
The upcoming season beckons as Inter Miami Club readies itself for a clash against FC Dallas (USA) on January 23rd. Following this, the team jetted off to Saudi Arabia to embark upon their rigorous training sessions in anticipation of the exhilarating Riyadh Cup. A soccer spectacle awaits as they face formidable opponents Al Hilal and Al Nassr Clubs, with none other than Cristiano Ronaldo contributing his extraordinary talents on January 30th and February 2nd, respectively.
During their captivating Asia tour, Inter Miami didn’t miss out on the opportunity to explore Hong Kong on February 4th and Japan on February 7th. They engaged in a thrilling encounter against Vissel Kobe Club, leaving an everlasting impact. However, their voyage didn’t end there as they embarked on their journey back to the United States to face off against the formidable Newell’s Old Boys Club from Argentina on February 15th. The anticipation rises as Lionel Messi and his fellow teammates gear up to kick off the 2024 MLS season with great gusto. Their first skirmish will be against the formidable Real Salt Lake Club on home turf, igniting an exhilarating atmosphere on February 22nd.
