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.
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.
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.
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami
