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Lionel Messi found the back of the net on Saturday as Inter Miami kicked off their pre-season campaign with a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Mexico’s Club America in Las Vegas. The game, played at Allegiant Stadium, saw an exciting back-and-forth, with Messi playing a pivotal role in the action. In the 34th minute, the Argentine superstar equalized for Inter Miami with a clinical header from close range, following a well-delivered cross from Luis Suarez. The goal came just moments after Club America had taken the lead through Henry Martin, who put them 1-0 up.
However, the momentum shifted again in the second half. In the 52nd minute, Israel Reyes struck for America, firing them back into the lead at 2-1. Despite the setback, Miami fought hard to stay in the game. The match saw high levels of intensity, and after both teams failed to add to their tally in regular time, the contest went to a penalty shoot-out. In the end, Inter Miami triumphed in the shootout, securing a confidence-boosting victory as they prepare for the upcoming season. Messi’s goal and performance showed once again why he remains one of the world’s top players, even in the early stages of his journey with the MLS side.
New Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano made several substitutions in the second half, including pulling Lionel Messi off the field in the 66th minute. Despite Messi’s early impact with a goal, it was clear that Mascherano was keen on experimenting with his squad during the pre-season friendly. With Messi off, Club America looked poised to secure the victory, holding a 2-1 lead late in the game. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Inter Miami’s Tomas Aviles rose to the occasion. In the second minute of stoppage time, Aviles met a superb inswinging corner from Julian Gressel, sending a powerful header into the back of the net to level the score at 2-2. The equalizer sent the match into extra time and then to a penalty shootout, ensuring a thrilling finish.
The shootout was a tense affair, with both teams converting their initial attempts. In a nerve-wracking sudden death scenario, Inter Miami held their nerve, emerging 3-2 victors. The win marked a positive start to Mascherano’s tenure, with the team showing resilience and determination to secure the victory, despite being on the back foot for much of the match. Messi’s influence was evident, and the shootout triumph provided a morale-boosting result as Miami gears up for the season ahead.