Inter Miami concluded their pre-season with a 1-1 draw against Newell’s Old Boys, but the real highlight was Lionel Messi’s return to his boyhood club.
Playing for an hour against Newell’s, Messi was the center of attention, even for the opposition players.
A Touching Display of Admiration
In a touching display of admiration, the Newell’s players formed a queue on the pitch, with eight of them getting a picture with Messi.
Some players even embraced Messi with hugs and kisses, showing their appreciation for the Ballon d’Or winner.
Supporters Pack the Stadium
Around 19,000 fans packed into the DRV PNK Stadium, many of whom were fans of the Argentinean team, eager to see Messi in action.
Before the match, Messi, along with his former Argentine teammate Maxi Rodriguez and Miami coach Tata Martino, held up Newell’s shirts for a pre-game photo, adding to the sentimental atmosphere of the occasion.
A Competitive Match and a Warm Reception
Despite the festive atmosphere, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Inter Miami’s Shanyder Borgelin scoring first just after the hour mark, and Franco Diaz equalizing for Newell’s seven minutes from the end.
It was a fitting end to a memorable match, with Messi receiving a warm reception from both sets of fans.
Looking Ahead to the MLS Season
The match marked the end of a busy pre-season for Inter Miami, which included trips to El Salvador, Texas, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami will kick off their MLS campaign against Real Salt Lake next week, with the team considered one of the favorites for the new season.
In addition to Messi, the club boasts talents like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, making them a formidable team in the MLS.
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