Lionel Messi marked his first goal of the 2025 preseason as Inter Miami CF emerged victorious over Club America, winning 3-2 on penalties in their preseason opener at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, 19th January.
Messi, Suarez, and Alba combine to level for Inter Miami
In a thrilling encounter, Messi was part of a memorable combination involving former FC Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba. The trio played a pivotal role in Inter Miami’s equalizer in the 34th minute. Alba delivered a precise cross to the back post, where Suarez expertly clipped the ball into the centre. Messi, ever the clinical finisher, was there to head the ball home and level the match.
This came just minutes after the reigning LIGA MX champions, Club America, had broken the deadlock in the 31st minute. Henry Martin capitalized on a well-placed pass from former LAFC winger Brian Rodriguez, tapping the ball into the net at the back post.
A strong start under Javier Mascherano
Messi’s header was his first goal under new Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano. This follows an incredible 2024 season in which Messi contributed 36 goals (20 goals, 16 assists) in just 19 appearances, earning the prestigious Landon Donovan MLS MVP award.
Club America takes the lead, but Inter Miami responds
The match saw another shift in momentum when Club America regained the lead early in the second half. Israel Reyes took advantage of a defensive error in the 53rd minute, scoring to put Las Aguilas ahead.
However, Inter Miami responded valiantly, and in the dying moments of the match, Tomas Aviles delivered an equalizer, heading in a brilliant corner kick from Julian Gressel to tie the game at 2-2.
Penalty shootout drama ensures Inter Miami victory
With the score tied at the end of regular time, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. Inter Miami’s recently signed goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo starred, saving two of Club America’s penalties. 17-year-old homegrown talent Santi Morales then stepped up to take the decisive penalty, calmly converting to secure a 3-2 shootout win for the Herons.
Inter Miami now looks ahead to their next match, where they will face Universitario de Deportes in Peru as part of their five-match preseason tour. The team is also preparing for the 2025 MLS regular-season opener on February 22 against New York City FC, alongside their CONCACAF Champions Cup return on February 18 at Sporting Kansas City.