Inter Miami, the new Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise co-owned by David Beckham, managed to secure their first preseason victory after a string of four consecutive losses. However, their star player, Lionel Messi, was absent from the friendly match against a Hong Kong XI. The absence of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner fueled speculation about a potential hamstring injury. Despite earlier indications from head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino that Messi was likely to feature in the game, he was not included in Miami’s matchday squad.
In a surprising move, not only did Messi miss the match, but also the team’s other former Barcelona stars—Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba—were left on the bench by Martino. This decision raised eyebrows among fans and pundits who expected to see Miami’s star-studded lineup in action.
Jørn Andersen, the coach of the Hong Kong XI, attributed his team’s performance to their lack of familiarity with each other. Composed of players from the Hong Kong Premier League, the host team had limited time to train together and prepare for the match. Andersen acknowledged the challenges of choosing the right players and positions given the short training period. Despite this disadvantage, the Hong Kong XI showed resilience, particularly in the first half.
Miami took the lead in the 40th minute when Robert Taylor skillfully shifted the ball onto his right foot and curled a shot into the far corner of the goal from the edge of the penalty area. However, their lead did not last long, as Henry Anier equalized for the Hong Kong XI just three minutes later. The first half ended with both teams level at 1-1.
In the second half, Lawson Sunderland capitalized on a well-timed assist from Ryan Sailor, tapping the ball into the net from inside the six-yard box, putting Miami back in front. Four minutes later, Leonardo Campana extended Miami’s lead to 3-1 with a deflected shot that caught goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai off guard. Miami solidified their dominance after Martino introduced Busquets and Alba in the 60th minute. Ryan Sailor sealed the victory for Miami with a glancing header off the post, resulting in a 4-1 scoreline.
Sunday’s triumph marked Miami’s first victory in five preseason games. Despite the absence of Messi and the other Barcelona stars, Miami showcased their ability to adapt and secure a convincing win. The preseason serves as a crucial period for teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses before the MLS season begins. It is evident that Miami is steadily progressing and building cohesion as a team through their rigorous training sessions.
Although the absence of Lionel Messi was disappointing for fans, Inter Miami managed to overcome the odds and secure a much-needed victory. This match provided valuable experience and playing time for both Miami’s players and the Hong Kong XI. As the preseason continues, expectations remain high for the new MLS franchise, and fans eagerly await the opportunity to see Messi and the other star players in action.
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