2024-02-16 04:48:44
It was a special night in Florida. It’s just that, for the first time in her career, Lionel Messi He had to face Newell’s, the club of his loves. The “10” played from the start and, although he was quite active, he was not able to put his signature on the scoreboard. Inter Miami took the lead with a goal from Shanyder Borgelin; while Franco Diaz tied it for “leprosy.”
The coaches decided to put a team on the field with a mix of starters and substitutes. Ever Banega, historical partner of the “flea” played the first 40′ and was substituted to give him a rest. Besides, Pablo Perez He also played from the beginning: Sarmiento’s midfielder received special permission to travel to Miami and enjoyed several minutes of play with the Rosario team. On the other hand, Luis Suarez y Jordi Alba They were part of the “herons” game.
The minutes before the match already indicated that it would be a friendly where Messi and Newell’s world would be the main protagonists. The Rosario fans held a flag before entering the stadium and several iconic figures of the club were present at the warm-up: Mauro Formica, Maxi RodriguezÉver Banega, Rolando Schiavi y Lucas Bernardi They participated in the preview of the main event.
The match itself had a low pace. During the first half Inter Miami tried to impose conditions, through possession of the ball and through some clear arrivals at the rival goal. The Argentine star seemed relaxed, with a smile from ear to ear on his face and wanting to shout a goal at all costs. He came close on two occasions: a good individual play from right to left ended with a shot just wide and a free kick shot that was close to exploding the nets of the goal guarded by Lucas Hoyo. Finally, the “10” left the stadium applauded at 60′.
Next, the goals arrived. First, Shanyder Borgelin scored for the Americans with a header off a corner kick. However, with seven minutes remaining, Franco Diaz defined before the departure of Drake Callender after a weak start from the bottom by Inter Miami.
The match ended with a 1-1 draw. Soccer was not the big attraction of the night, but Messi’s presence and the warm reception from the Rosario fans generated an atmosphere worthy of a spectacle in Florida.
Now from now on, Inter Miami will prepare for its debut in Major League Soccer (MLS), where it will have to face Real Salt Lake this Wednesday from 10 p.m. in Argentina.
Journalistic production: Diego Caminos.
