Lionel Messi Scores in Inter Miami’s Pre-Season Win Over Club America

Eppe Franklyne –

• Lionel Messi scored as Inter Miami played a pre-season friendly against Mexico’s Club America, which ended in a penalty shootout victory for Miami.
• Messi equalized in the 34th minute with a header from a Luis Suarez cross, after Club America had taken the lead through Henry Martin.
• America regained the lead in the 52nd minute through Israel Reyes.
• Messi was substituted in the 66th minute as part of a series of changes by new Miami coach Javier Mascherano.
• Miami equalized in stoppage time through Tomas Aviles’ header off a Julian Gressel corner.
• The match was decided by a penalty shootout, with Miami winning 3-2 in sudden death.

Lionel Messi made his mark in Inter Miami’s pre-season opener, scoring a goal to help secure a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Mexico’s Club America in Las Vegas. The match, held at Allegiant Stadium, saw Miami trailing 1-0 after Henry Martin’s early goal for America. However, Messi equalized in the 34th minute, heading home a Luis Suarez cross from close range.

Club America regained the lead in the 52nd minute with Israel Reyes’ strike, but Miami responded with Tomas Aviles’ header in stoppage time, off a perfect corner from Julian Gressel, sending the match to penalties. Miami triumphed 3-2 in a tense shootout after extra time, with Messi having been substituted earlier in the second half by new coach Javier Mascherano.