Lionel Messi was substituted in the 60th minute, and in his place, 22-year-old American Losen Sundarland took the field. However, before the start of the 2024 MLS campaign next week, there was joy among the home fans.
On Thursday, Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi returned to the starting lineup for MLS club in a 1-1 home draw against his childhood club from Argentina, Newell's Old Boys. It was an emotional match for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who had supported Old Boys during his youth and played for them from 1995 to 2000 before joining Barcelona.
Also Read: India vs England, Third Test Day 1 Highlights Today
Messi was substituted in the 60th minute, with 22-year-old American Losen Sundarland taking his place. However, the home fans were delighted before the start of the 2024 MLS campaign next week.
The 36-year-old striker, who led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, returned to the starting eleven for Miami after recovering from a back injury that kept him out of a friendly match in Hong Kong at the beginning of the month.
Messi later came off the bench in a match in Japan, but he returned to the starting lineup for Inter Miami's final pre-season match in the MLS club.
After a goalless first half, Inter Miami took the lead in the 64th minute with a goal from Schneider Borgelin. The 22-year-old Haitian forward scored with a perfect corner kick from midfielder Robert Taylor, executing a high jump over a defender.
Newell's equalized in the 83rd minute with a goal from Argentine midfielder Franco Martinez Diaz, a explosive shot from the center of the box into the lower right corner.
Inter Miami will host Real Salt Lake in their first regular-season match of the MLS on Wednesday.