Messi and Suárez Score in Inter Miami's Latest Defeat Against Al-Hilal
The MLS team fell to defeat against the leader of the Saudi Pro League in the first match of their Saudi tour and continues without a win in this preseason.
Inter Miami, featuring Leo Messi, along with Spaniards Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, and bolstered this season by Uruguayan Luis Suárez, began their tour of Saudi Arabia with a 4-3 defeat against Al-Hilal, the league leaders. They continue winless in the preseason.
Under Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's guidance, the team suffered their second defeat in a matter of days. On January 23, they lost 1-0 to FC Dallas in the US MLS, following a goalless draw against the El Salvador national team three days prior.
A late goal by Malcom Filipe Silva in the 89th minute halted Miami's comeback, as they had equalized from 3-1 down in the second half, between the 54th and 55th minutes, with Messi assisting Honduran David Ruiz for the 3-3 equalizer.
Despite having chances to make it 3-4, Miami's defensive frailty cost them the game against Al-Hilal, who dominated the first half in every aspect. Al-Hilal, the undefeated leaders of the Saudi Arabian League, showed strength even without Neymar Junior, sidelined due to injury.
Managed by Portuguese Jorge de Jesús, Al-Hilal boasts a balanced squad featuring key players like Serbians Milinkovic-Savic and Mitrovic, Portuguese Rubén Neves, and Malcom.
Al-Hilal quickly went 2-0 up between the 10th and 13th minutes through goals from Mitrovic and Al-Hamddan, but Luis Suárez pulled one back for Inter Miami in the 33rd minute. Michael extended Al-Hilal's lead to 3-1 before halftime. While Miami improved in the second half, it wasn't enough to avoid defeat.
Next Thursday, at 21:00 local time, they face Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, who is currently injured.
