Lionel Messi angered Club America fans during Inter Miami’s pre-season friendly match at noon on January 19 (Hanoi time).
Messi’s response to Mexican fans.
After being booed by Mexican fans, Messi touched his left chest, where the Argentina logo was, and raised three fingers, symbolizing three World Cup titles. He then clasped his hands together, indicating that Mexico had yet to win a title on the world stage.
Messi turned away, smiling calmly and confidently, as a direct response to the Mexican fans in the stands, who had frequently booed and jeered him during the match. This was a powerful statement about Messi’s position and success as well as Argentina’s on the international stage.
Returning to the friendly match, Club America entered the match with determination and a high pressing style of play, causing Inter Miami, despite having Messi, Suarez and Jordi Alba, to face many difficulties. In the 31st minute, the Mexican team’s pressure was rewarded when Brian Rodriguez passed the ball to Henry Martin to easily put the ball into the net, opening the score.
However, Messi quickly proved his class. Just a few minutes later, he headed home a close-range equalizer from a perfect combination between Suarez and Jordi Alba. With this goal, Messi has scored for 21 consecutive years, an impressive record.
In the second half, Inter Miami continued to show weaknesses in defense. In the 52nd minute, Reyes took advantage of mistakes by the goalkeeper and defenders to help Club America regain the lead. Coach Javier Mascherano was forced to replace Messi and Suarez. It seemed that Inter Miami would lose, but in extra time, Aviles headed home to tie the match 2-2, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
In the penalty shootout, Inter Miami won 3-2, completing a spectacular comeback. Despite the victory, Inter Miami clearly exposed problems in defense, prone to making mistakes under pressure. On the contrary, Messi continued to shine, affirming his role as the soul of the team.
On January 30, Inter Miami will face Universitario in the next friendly match, an opportunity for Mascherano to test and overcome weaknesses before the new season.
