Messi and Inter Miami Shake Off Rust in Preseason
Lionel Messi removed his captain's armband in the 72nd minute of last night's game against Universitario. The match brought concern on the rustiness of Messi, Luis Suárez, and other former Barcelona icons following the MLS break. Whether it's the new managers Javier Masceranos tactics, the long end of season break or the toll of age, the team needs to regain their form quickly. Their last two matches, both ending in scoreless draws, emphasize the urgency. Penalty shootouts are never a guarantee, and Inter Miami must step up. Fast.
Despite Messi failing to score on Regular Time, Inter Miami edged out Universitario (Peru's back-to-back champions) with a 5-4 win on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regulation at Estadio Monumental in Lima, Peru.
Inter Miami's Julian Gressel, Santi Morales, David Ruiz, Benjamin Cremaschi, and Yannick Bright converted their spot kicks, while Jairo Vélez was the only Universitario player to miss.
More importantly, Messi seems intent on sharpening his form ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Inter Miami's invitation to the tournament has sparked controversy, with critics claiming their spot was undeserved. As a result, all eyes will be on Messi and his team to prove themselves on the grand stage.
Inter Miami's preseason schedule includes tough matches against champions from Liga MX and the Peruvian league—similar to the level of competition they'll face in the Club World Cup. So far, they have managed to stay competitive, forcing both games into penalty shootouts. However, merely holding their own won't be enough, especially with European powerhouses awaiting in the tournament.
In their previous preseason match against Liga MX champions Club América in Las Vegas on Jan. 18, Messi scored a rare headed goal, and Inter Miami forced a shootout with a late equalizer by Tomás Avilés. They went on to win 2-2 (3-2) on penalties.
Led by first-year head coach and former Messi teammate Javier Mascherano, whose appointment has drawn huge skepticism from fans and critics alike, Inter Miami faces a crucial period of adjustment. The team's reliance on aging stars like Messi (37), Suárez (38), Sergio Busquets (36), and Jordi Alba (35) raises questions about their endurance over a grueling season.
Miami's next friendly against San Miguelito will be a key test for Messi and his team. Can they adapt to the demands of elite competition and prove they belong on the global stage? Or will age have the final say in the twilight of their career.
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