Messi faces fierce provocation in Inter Miami's preseason thriller | OneFootball

Lionel Messi kicked off 2025 the way fans were hoping he would: with brilliance on the pitch. Inter Miami edged past Club América in a 3-2 penalty shootout during a pulsating friendly at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas that was replete with phenomenal goals, fire moments, and an adumbration of what may well be a scintillating season. Yet Messi wasn't the only star of the show. That, too, was a clash that spoke of an Inter Miami in transition but competitive under new coach Javier Mascherano.

Messi, Suárez and Alba: The old guard strikes again

If Messi needed a stage to prove his connection with former teammates still worked, he found it. At the 34th minute, Jordi Alba delivered a pinpoint cross to Luis Suárez, who showed his class with a perfect assist for Messi. The Argentine, always a step ahead, headed the ball home with precision. It was a goal full of nostalgia and brilliance, exactly what you’d expect from this legendary trio.

The challenge of Club América

Club América, meanwhile, had come out aggressive, showing everyone why they were one of the powers in Liga MX, as Henry Martín and Israel Reyes capitalized upon defensive lapses for goals by the Mexican side. Despite América's sharpness, though, Inter Miami didn't back down.

As the game wore on, Tomás Avilés became the savior of Miami. In the 83rd minute, he jumped high in the field to head a perfect corner from Julian Gressel to level the score. The tense game headed to penalties, setting the stage for another star to emerge.

New hero coming

While Messi is still the idol, 17-year-old Santi Morales managed to steal some of the limelight. The teenager showed nerves of steel to convert the decisive penalty, giving Miami a 3-2 victory. It was one of those moments that balanced the scale of youth and experience that the club aims to build in 2025.

Meanwhile, new goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo made a solid first impression, saving two penalties to underline his potential importance in the upcoming season.

Mascherano off to a solid start

Javier Mascherano, Messi’s former teammate with Argentina, looks to be finding his footing as Miami’s head coach. Despite the typical hiccups of a preseason lineup, Miami’s competitive performance against a top-tier opponent like Club América bodes well.

Mascherano experimented with tactics and rotated players, focusing on building chemistry and adapting the squad to his style. His ability to manage big personalities alongside emerging talent will be key as the season unfolds.

Messi’s statement to the crowd

No Messi match is complete without a bit of drama. América’s fans at Allegiant Stadium made their presence felt, taunting the Argentine star throughout the game. Messi’s response? Pure class. He turned to the crowd, showed off his iconic No. 10 jersey, and gestured “3-0,” a clear nod to Argentina’s three World Cup titles, contrasting with Mexico’s lack of one.

The moment lit up social media, proving Messi’s influence isn’t confined to the pitch.

What’s next for Inter Miami?

This friendly marked the start of a packed preseason for Miami. The team heads to Peru to face Universitario de Deportes before preparing for the MLS season opener on February 22 against New York City FC. A key test looms in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Sporting Kansas City on February 18.

For Messi, Suárez, and Alba, 2025 is shaping up to be more than a series of games, it's an opportunity to cement their legacy at Miami. With rising stars like Morales coming through, the future seems as bright as the present.