"Thiago Messi and Benja Suárez debut in LaLiga FC Futures"
Thiago Messi, son of Leo Messi, and Benja Suárez, son of Uruguayan Luis Suárez, enjoyed their official debut in the youth international tournament LaLiga FC Futures with a goalless draw against Real Sociedad in the second round of Group A.
Thiago's mother, Antonella Rocuzzo, watched from the stands as her son played for the local team, Inter Miami, in the tournament held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World Resort.
Thiago Messi wore the number 10 jersey, while Benja Suárez sported number 19. Both will compete to continue in the tournament and advance to the quarterfinals in Friday's match against Barcelona, the former team of their respective fathers, Leo and Luis.
The match against Real Sociedad ended in a scoreless draw. Thiago Messi started in the initial lineup for Inter Miami, with Benja entering the field as a substitute. It was the son of the Uruguayan striker who had more chances to score for his team, with three clear opportunities in the first half and two in the second, but none were converted.
Real Sociedad lost their opening match to Barcelona (4-2) and could not overcome Inter Miami this time. The classification of the Donostia team now depends on the outcome of Friday's match between Barcelona and the American team, in the final round of Group A.
Inter Miami only needs to lose by less than two goals against the Spanish team to qualify and eliminate Real Sociedad. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals.
Atlético Madrid is the defending champion, having defeated Ideasport (6-0) in Group C, which also includes Sevilla. Real Madrid lost to Villarreal in Group B, where Hassania Agadir from Morocco also competes.
Flamengo defeated Betis (2-0) in Group D, alongside Orlando City.
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Real Sociedad, Sevilla, Betis, and Villarreal are the seven Spanish league clubs participating. They are joined by Flamengo from Brazil, Inter Miami, Orlando City, Ideasport SA from the United States, and Hassania Agadir from Morocco as invited teams.
Barcelona, with four titles, is the most decorated club in this tournament. Atlético Madrid has won twice, and Espanyol once.
