In Saudi Arabia, a preseason game hailed globally as a Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo showdown turned sour for Inter Miami.
Messi didn’t play much in the match against Al Nassr because he felt uncomfortable after Monday’s game. Inter Miami lost 6-0, with three goals conceded in the first 12 minutes. Messi only came in for a short time in the 83rd minute, with Saudi fans chanting his name. But Miami was already struggling before he came on.
Inter Miami, despite its star-studded lineup, hasn’t won any of its first four preseason matches. Messi felt a bit uncomfortable after Monday’s game and needed some rest. He was supposed to sit out Thursday’s game, but ended up on the bench anyway.
Ronaldo watched the entire game from a suite due to a calf injury. TV cameras captured him and Messi during the first half. While Ronaldo seemed amused, Messi appeared somber as his team faced challenges on the field.
Brazilian player Anderson Talisca netted three goals for Al Nassr. His first goal was in the 10th minute, followed by a penalty kick in the 51st minute for his second, and his third came in the 73rd minute. Otavio scored first for the Saudis in the third minute, followed by Aymeric Laporte in the 12th minute, and Mohammed Khalil Marran in the 68th minute. With each goal from Al Nassr, criticism from Inter Miami fans on social media intensified.
Al Nassr outshot Miami 21-12, tallying 14 shots on goal, while Miami managed only three.
Inter Miami coach Tata Martino wasn’t available to the media, but wingback Julian Gressel mentioned that the coach was visibly more animated than usual during halftime. This was as Miami was trailing 3-0.
Obviously, we didn’t get the result we hoped for, but there’s a lot to learn,” Gressel remarked. “We’ve got plenty to take away and improve on. Watching the game back, we’ll see what we can do better. Starting strong is key; being down 3-nil in 12 minutes is tough. But that’s what preseason is all about—learning.
Martino has emphasized the importance of managing players’ minutes during the seven-game, five-country preseason tour. His main focus is on keeping the team healthy and fit for the start of the MLS season on Feb. 21 at home against Real Salt Lake. Gressel highlighted the team’s desire to be in peak form when the season kicks off.
When it really matters, we want to be at our best, and these games, despite the tough losses, are valuable,” Gressel remarked. Talking about the pressure of preseason games, Gressel mentioned, “Playing under this spotlight helps us prepare better for the season compared to usual preseason games.” He also noted the support for Messi and Inter Miami from Saudi fans, saying, “He’s definitely a popular guy.
The team has three preseason games remaining: Sunday in Hong Kong, Wednesday in Tokyo, and February 15 at home against Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys, which is Messi and Martino’s hometown team. Details of Messi’s latest injury are unknown, but he had a hamstring issue in the final stretch of the 2023 season. The Inter Miami vs. Al Nassr game was titled “The Last Dance,” potentially indicating the final showdown between the two icons.
In Thursday’s match, Miami’s starting lineup featured Leo Campana, Luis Suarez, David Ruiz, Sergio Busquets, Gregore, Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Serhiy Kryvtsov, Tomas Aviles, Julian Gressel, and Drake Callender. DeAndre Yedlin and Robert Taylor substituted in during the 69th minute, while Messi and Lawson Sunderland came on in the 83rd and 84th minutes, respectively.
Argentine center back Nicolas Freire, newly signed from the Mexican league PUMAS, hasn’t played for Inter Miami yet. According to a team spokesperson, he’s still getting integrated into the squad since joining training camp later than others.
When asked about the match’s significance and comparisons between MLS and the Saudi Pro League, Gressel emphasized it’s too early to make judgments. He expressed interest in a potential rematch, perhaps in a Club World Cup setting.