Messi Fulfills Dream in Inter Miami vs. Newell's Draw
The Argentine star faced the team of his childhood for the first time in the last preseason match of the American team.
Inter Miami closed their preseason this Thursday with a 1-1 draw at home against Newell's Old Boys.
Only one victory marked the preparation process, in Hong Kong, in a match where Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez did not play.
Newell's, Inter Miami's opponent, is the Argentine club closest to Messi's and coach Gerardo Martino's hearts. Martino holds the record for most games played and most titles with that red-and-black team during his time as a player.
Haitian Shanyder Borgelin put the hosts ahead in the 64th minute with a header, and Argentine Franco Díaz equalized in the 83rd after a defensive error from Sailor.
Messi and Suárez played 60 minutes, a week before their MLS debut next Wednesday against Real Salt Lake. Jordi Alba played 72 minutes while Sergio Busquets rested.
An Unforgettable Encounter for Messi
Messi fulfilled the dream of facing the team of his childhood, Newell's Old Boys, where it all began for him and a club he has always openly supported. This has been evident in many moments of his career, with iconic images like the celebration at Camp Nou dedicating a goal to Maradona shortly after his death.
Many Newell's fans gathered at DRV PNK Stadium, painting the stands with multiple banners.
Maxi Rodríguez, a legend of Newell's and the national team, was also present and posed with Messi and 'Tata' Martino wearing a Newell's shirt.
After the match, Messi returned to the field to greet all the Newell's players, who asked him for a photo.
During the game, Inter Miami threatened early with a header from Freire exploiting the defensive lapse of the Argentineans. The control and dominance were from the locals, with constant combinations between Messi and Alba to enter the opposing area.
Paraguayan Diego Gómez arrived from the South American Pre-Olympic tournament after securing a spot for París 2024 with an outstanding performance, but he lacked inspiration. Messi set him up face-to-face with goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos, who blocked his shot.
Gómez had several chances in the first half and failed to convert them, always with Messi as his partner.
Newell's tried to show rebellion with the experienced Ever Banega, but lacked support to generate danger. The former Valencia player barely played 32 minutes.
Uruguayan Suárez's first opportunity in his new home came in the 21st minute. A penalty he earned himself that, after being reviewed in the VAR, was not awarded. He was active but still far from his best form.
Brian Aguirre was the first to take the ball to the vicinity of Drake Callender. Then, Uruguayan Juan Ignacio Ramírez tested the local goalkeeper, who responded superbly.
Messi was absent at times. His first dangerous play came in the 30th minute, receiving the ball ten meters from the goal and dribbling well. Shortly after, he also had a chance from a set piece, but missed wide to Hoyos's relief.
