Messi's First Goal and a Preseason Victory

Inter Miami CF kicked off their 2025 preseason with a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout win over Liga MX champions Club América. The match, played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, saw Lionel Messi score his first goal of the preseason, a header assisted by Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba. This goal was a highlight of the match, showcasing the chemistry between the former FC Barcelona trio. The game served as a captivating showcase of talent and determination from both sides, setting a high standard for Inter Miami’s preseason tour.

A Closely Fought Battle

Club América, despite their season already underway, provided a formidable challenge. They took the lead twice. Henry Martín's goal in the 31st minute and Israel Reyes’ goal in the 53rd minute put the Liga MX giants ahead. However, Inter Miami, fueled by their star players and inspired by Mascherano's tactical approach, demonstrated resilience. Tomás Avilés's late equalizer sent the game into a penalty shootout, showcasing a thrilling end-to-end match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Mascherano's Debut and Inter Miami's New Look

The match marked the managerial debut of Javier Mascherano, who took over after Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's departure. Mascherano's tactics showcased his experience, successfully navigating a transition phase for Inter Miami. The team showed notable improvements, even amidst the changes brought on by the significant departures of key players such as Diego Gomez and Leonardo Campana over the offseason. The team, in this match, lined up for the first time in a 4-4-2 formation under Mascherano's guidance.

The Penalty Shootout Decider

The penalty shootout was just as dramatic as the regular time action. Rocco Ríos Novo, Inter Miami's new goalkeeper, made crucial saves, and 17-year-old Santi Morales scored the decisive penalty to secure the win for the Herons. The tense atmosphere underscored the importance of both teams viewing this friendly as more than a simple practice session, especially for Club América, who used the match as an unofficial season kickoff.

A Season of High Expectations

Inter Miami are coming off a record-breaking regular season in 2024, achieving a new MLS points record of 74. However, their first-round playoff exit to Atlanta United underscored the need for improvement. The addition of Messi and Mascherano has elevated expectations for the team, especially given the high-profile departures from the team. This friendly match set the stage for the 2025 season, highlighting the team's focus to improve on both the regular season performance and especially the unexpected playoff exit.

Looking Ahead: Preseason and Beyond

Inter Miami's preseason tour continues with matches against Universitario de Deportes in Peru and Sporting San Miguelito in Panama. Their 2025 MLS regular season opener is scheduled for February 22 against New York City FC, and their Concacaf Champions Cup return is set for February 18 against Sporting Kansas City. The team will need to continue refining their tactics and player combinations to reach the high expectations that have been set, all while addressing the changes to the squad over the offseason.

The Herons have a busy schedule, but their performance against Club América has hinted at their potential for an exciting season. They showcased resilience, strategic prowess, and star-studded talent in their preseason opener. The team will look to continue building on this momentum and achieve their goals during this season. The preseason game has certainly put Inter Miami on the map as one to watch this season. Fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead.