Inter Miami CF Kicks Off Preseason with Thrilling Draw and Penalty Victory Against Club America
Inter Miami CF fans were treated to an exhilarating start to the preseason as their team faced off against Club America at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The match ended in a 2-2 draw during regular time, but Inter Miami clinched the victory with a 3-2 win in penalties. This match marked the managerial debut of Javier Mascherano, who took over as head coach on November 26, 2024, ushering in a new era for the club.
Mascherano, a former Barcelona figure, opted for a 4-4-2 formation, showcasing star players Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez as the striking duo. The anticipation was palpable as fans eagerly awaited to see how the team would perform under the new leadership.
Club America, known for their prowess in Liga MX, dominated possession early on and opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a goal from Henry Martín. However, the lead was short-lived as Messi and Suárez demonstrated their chemistry on the field. Messi connected with Suárez inside the box, setting up a perfect header to level the score.
Suárez, who recently signed a new contract to stay with Inter Miami through the 2025 MLS season, showcased his skill by volleying the ball to Messi, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net. The dynamic duo’s performance was a highlight for fans, promising an exciting season ahead.
As the match progressed, Inter Miami managed to keep the score at 1-1 well into the second half. However, Club America capitalized on defensive errors from Inter Miami’s center-back pairing, Tomas “Toto” Aviles and Noah Allen. This allowed Israel Reyes to slide the ball past new Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo, putting Club America back in the lead.
Despite the setback, Inter Miami showed resilience and determination. In the final minutes of the match, defender Aviles redeemed himself by scoring a crucial header off a corner kick from Julian Gressel, sending the game to penalties.
In the penalty shootout, Inter Miami emerged victorious with a 3-2 win, providing a thrilling conclusion to an already exciting match. The victory not only marked a successful start to Mascherano’s tenure but also set a positive tone for the upcoming preseason tour.
Looking ahead, Club America will return to Mexico City to resume their Liga MX tournament. Meanwhile, Inter Miami is set to embark on the South and Central American portion of their 2025 preseason tour. The Herons will face Universitario at Estadio Monumental “U” in Peru on January 29, before traveling to Panama to play against Sporting San Miguelito.
- Inter Miami CF vs. Club America: 2-2 draw in regular time
- Inter Miami wins 3-2 in penalties
- Javier Mascherano’s managerial debut
- Goals by Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez
- Upcoming matches: Universitario in Peru, Sporting San Miguelito in Panama
As the preseason unfolds, fans will be eager to see how Inter Miami continues to develop under Mascherano’s guidance. With Messi and Suárez leading the charge, the team is poised for an exciting season ahead.
Originally Written by: ESPN
