Lionel Messi made his preseason debut for Inter Miami in 2024, but his time on the field was short.

Inter Miami‘s prominent players, such as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba – all formerly associated with Barcelona – participated only in the first half of their preseason game against El Salvador. The match concluded in a draw with no goals scored. It appears that the team’s coach is exploring different strategies or carefully managing playing time to maintain the players’ fitness for the upcoming season. Enthusiasts are eager to witness the contributions of these star players in the games ahead.

Supporters at Estadio Cuscatlán in El Salvador enthusiastically cheered for Messi, the globally renowned soccer star, whenever he was on the field. They even waved goodbye as he left the Inter Miami bench in the 87th minute, heading towards the locker rooms. This highlights the widespread admiration and backing Messi receives wherever he plays.

Details of the match between Lionel Messi and Inter Miami against El Salvador

In the first half of the game, Messi had two chances to score, but he couldn’t find the net. One time, he kicked a free kick into a group of defenders just before halftime, and in the 35th minute, El Salvador’s goalie, Mario Gonzalez, stopped his shot. Jordi Alba and other teammates also tried to score, but none of their attempts succeeded.

As the second half started, Messi, Suarez, Busquets, and Alba were replaced by other players. Coach Tata Martino also made four more substitutions in the 63rd minute. Unfortunately, Inter Miami played with only 10 players later on because Facundo Farias had to leave the game due to a possible knee injury.

This match was significant as it marked the first time Messi, Suarez, Busquets, and Alba played together since 2020. It was also the second time Messi and his Inter Miami teammates wore their black jerseys since he joined the team in July of the previous year.

Facundo Farias had to leave the game due to a knee injury.

During the game, a young Inter Miami player, Facundo Farias, suffered a knee injury and had to leave the field. He was carried off on a stretcher just before the 70th minute, and as a result, Inter Miami played the rest of the match with 10 players instead of the usual 11.

Farias had come into the game in the second half, replacing Messi. The extent of his injury is uncertain, but it raises concerns about his availability for the remainder of Inter Miami’s preseason and potentially the upcoming season, depending on the severity of the injury.

Lionel Messi, the star player for Inter Miami, exited the match at halftime

Messi wrapped up his game after the first half.

As the second half kicked off, Inter Miami’s Big Four – Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets – were substituted out of the match against El Salvador. Messi didn’t play for a long time, partly because Inter Miami has a busy schedule ahead with lots of travel in the next 20 days.

Messi, Busquets, and Alba were spotted sitting on Inter Miami’s bench when the second half started. Despite not scoring, Messi’s presence on the field was felt, and every time he touched the ball, fans in El Salvador cheered loudly.

Messi attempted a free kick just before halftime, but the score stayed 0-0 in the match between Inter Miami and El Salvador.

Messi had a chance with a free kick just before halftime, but it seemed like he wasn’t ready for how El Salvador defended.

He kicked the ball into a bunch of defenders, and then he walked off the field as halftime started, and both teams still had no goals.Earlier, Messi got a pass from Luis Suarez and had to deal with a defender. They collided, and it looked like the defender kicked Messi’s left foot. Messi briefly stayed on the ground, but he seemed okay afterward.Now, we have to see how much Messi, Suarez, Busquets, Alba, and others will play, considering Inter Miami has a busy preseason schedule. Keep an eye out for updates on their participation in the upcoming games.

After the star players left the field, the stadium atmosphere changed, and fans cheered for their national team. Despite Inter Miami having control of the ball in the first half, they couldn’t score. Messi looked comfortable on the field, showing off his smart passes and nearly scoring twice. In the 36th minute, he had a great chance, but the El Salvador goalkeeper, Mario Martinez, saved his shots.

Jordi Alba also tried to score in the 40th minute, but Martinez stopped his shot. Suarez, who was playing for the first time, didn’t have a big impact and needs more time to get used to his new teammates. El Salvador had some chances on the counter-attack, testing Inter Miami’s defense.

In the 83rd minute, El Salvador almost scored, but Styven Vasquez’s header hit the crossbar. Coach Tata Martino mentioned the team’s need for a center back, and it looks like they might sign Nicolas Freire soon.