In what seemed like Lionel Messi and Gerardo “Tata” Martino would lead Inter Miami to victory, in the final minutes of an emotional and nostalgic match, Messi’s beloved team, Newell’s Old Boys, salvaged the draw.
The friendly match between Inter Miami and Newell’s ended in a 1-1 draw in the reunion of Messi and Martino with the club where they began their careers as footballers.
Messi showcased glimpses of his magic to the delight of fans from both teams who filled Inter Miami’s DRV Stadium. A cross-field pass to Diego Gómez, who was offside, a free kick that rattled the Argentine goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos’ right post, and an individual play inside the box where he dribbled past three opponents were just a taste of what the Argentine star hopes to accomplish starting from next week when the 2024 MLS season kicks off.
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In the first half, Inter Miami dominated possession (61 percent), shots on goal (seven to two), and completed nearly 100 more passes than Newell’s, who saw their captain, Ever Banega, substituted off the field by the 31st minute.
Messi’s friend was withdrawn as a precaution to avoid unnecessary physical exertion after playing a league match over the weekend and with two more fixtures to come, including a derby against Rosario Central in the next two days.
In the second half, substitutions were made with the score still level, including Messi and Luis Suárez departing in the 60th minute to a thunderous standing ovation from the vast majority of fans.
Ironically, Inter’s goal was scored by Messi’s replacement, Shanyder Borgelin, who headed in a corner kick in the 64th minute.
Inter Miami will kick off their season next Wednesday against Real Salt Lake, while Newell’s Old Boys will hold a training session in Florida before flying back home.
