After a string of unsuccessful performances, Inter Miami finally celebrated their first victory in the preseason. However, the star player everyone was eager to see, Lionel Messi, was notably absent from the friendly match. The team’s struggles begged the question of whether their renowned new signing could have made a difference in their previous games.
Not only was Lionel Messi absent from the match, but Inter Miami’s head coach, Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino, chose to leave three other former Barcelona stars on the bench. Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba, who are known for their outstanding skills, were surprisingly excluded from the starting lineup in Hong Kong. The decision raised eyebrows and left fans wondering about the team’s strategy.
Jørn Andersen, the coach of the host team, Hong Kong XI, admitted that his players’ lack of familiarity with each other affected their performance. In contrast to Inter Miami, who had been training together every day during the preseason, the Hong Kong XI only had one day to prepare. Andersen expressed the difficulties in selecting the right players and positions due to the limited time for training. Despite these challenges, the Hong Kong XI showed promise, particularly in the first half, and provided a memorable experience for both the players and the spectators.
The match started with Inter Miami taking the lead in the 40th minute when Robert Taylor expertly curled the ball into the far corner of the net from outside the penalty area. However, their advantage was short-lived as Henry Anier swiftly equalized for the Hong Kong XI just three minutes later. Miami regained the lead early in the second half when Lawson Sunderland found space inside the six-yard box and tapped the ball into the net.
The game took another turn when Leonardo Campana’s shot deflected off a Hong Kong XI player, leaving the goalkeeper wrong-footed and extending Miami’s lead to 3-1. The introduction of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba by Tata Martino after the hour mark signaled Miami’s intent to seal their victory. Ryan Sailor sealed the deal when his header found the back of the net via a post. The final scoreline read 4-1, with the win marking Miami’s breakthrough in the preseason.
Inter Miami’s victory in the friendly match provides a glimmer of hope for the team after a disappointing start to the preseason. However, the absence of Lionel Messi raises questions about his role in the team and how his potential injury may affect Inter Miami’s upcoming games. The performance of the Hong Kong XI also demonstrates the challenges faced by teams with limited training time.
As the preseason continues, Inter Miami must work on building chemistry and improving their overall performance. The inclusion of Messi, Busquets, Suárez, and Alba in future matches could provide the necessary boost for the team. With the right strategy and training, Inter Miami has the potential to bounce back from their early setbacks and make a strong impact in the upcoming season.
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