Electric Showdown: Messi’s Mastery Secures 1-1 Draw as Inter Miami Faces Childhood Club, Newell’s Old Boys, in Preseason Thriller

Messi’s Emotional Homecoming: Inter Miami Ties Newell’s Old Boys in Preseason Thriller“

In a poignant reunion, Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a 1-1 draw against his childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, in the final preseason match. The Argentine superstar showcased promising form, leaving a lasting impact on fans and setting the stage for the upcoming 2024 MLS season.

Nostalgic Clash:

The matchup, situated 4,260 miles away from Messi’s hometown in Rosario, Argentina, provided a unique backdrop as Inter Miami faced Newell’s Old Boys. The tie, filled with emotion, saw Messi contribute to Inter Miami’s lead before receiving a standing ovation upon being subbed off.

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Electric Atmosphere:
Fans at DRV PNK Stadium witnessed a captivating spectacle as Newell’s supporters, adorned in red and black striped shirts, welcomed Messi warmly. The stadium roared with each outstanding play by Messi, creating an electric atmosphere despite divided loyalties.

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Borgelin’s Impact:
Inter Miami took the lead in the 64th minute with a goal from Shanyder Borgelin, a 6-5 Haitian American forward. Borgelin’s leaping header showcased the team’s depth and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on the crowd.

Global Tour Challenges:

Inter Miami returned home for the preseason finale after a challenging 24,000-mile global tour, including matches in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Despite facing setbacks, the team demonstrated determination and growth, setting the tone for the upcoming season.

Messi and Suarez Partnership:

Messi’s return to the starting lineup, alongside Luis Suarez, highlighted a promising partnership. While Messi displayed moments of brilliance, Suarez’s integration into the team dynamics was acknowledged as a work in progress by Coach Tata Martino.

Optimism for the Season:
Martino expressed optimism about Messi’s fitness and readiness for the 2024 MLS season opener on Feb. 21 against Real Salt Lake. The coach highlighted Messi’s on-field acceleration and performance, signaling his full recovery.

Roster Adjustments:
As Inter Miami fine-tunes its roster, Brazilian midfielder Gregore is set to return to Botafogo. The team is in talks with Botafogo about Gregore, with potential moves already in play. The expected signing of Argentine defensive midfielder Federico Redondo adds depth to the squad.

Anticipation and Resilience:

Despite preseason challenges, Inter Miami’s anticipation for the upcoming season is heightened. The players, including Messi, have grown stronger in the face of adversity. The team’s response to obstacles and Messi’s impactful return paint a positive picture for what lies ahead.

Messi’s Emotional Journey:
The match held special significance for Messi, who supported Old Boys as a youth and played for them from 1995 to 2000 before joining Barcelona. His emotional journey, returning to his roots and connecting with fans, added a sentimental layer to the preseason encounter.

Conclusion:

In the midst of strategic roster moves, emotional homecomings, and promising team dynamics, Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, is poised for a thrilling start to the MLS season. The journey includes challenges, but the team’s response to adversity and Messi’s impactful return paint a positive picture for what lies ahead. The intersection of personal history, team resilience, and anticipation sets the stage for an exciting and competitive MLS campaign.

Summary:

Inter Miami, led by superstar Lionel Messi, ended their preseason with a 1-1 draw against Messi’s childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys. The emotional match saw Messi play for nearly 60 minutes, showcasing moments of brilliance. Haitian American forward Shanyder Borgelin scored for Inter Miami, while F.M. Diaz equalized for Newell’s in the 86th minute. The draw followed Inter Miami’s global preseason tour, and despite mixed results, coach Tata Martino expressed optimism for the upcoming MLS season opener against Real Salt Lake. Additionally, the article mentions roster changes, with Brazilian midfielder Gregore heading back to Botafogo and potential signing Federico Redondo replacing injured Facundo Farias.