Inter Miami And Newell's Old Boys Share Honors With 1-1 Draw In Friendly Clash
Despite a goalless first half, Inter Miami took the lead in the 64th minute when Shanyder Borgelin rose above defenders to nod in a corner kick delivered by Finnish midfielder Robert Taylor.
Inter Miami, led by global icon Lionel Messi, engaged in an emotionally charged friendly against Messi's childhood club, Newell's Old Boys, resulting in a 1-1 stalemate. Messi's return to the starting lineup after a nostalgic journey from supporting Old Boys in his youth to his formative years at Barcelona was met with fervent anticipation. However, in the 60th minute, Messi's departure, making way for 22-year-old Lawson Sunderland, sparked both excitement and nostalgia among home fans, as they eagerly awaited the start of the 2024 MLS campaign.
Tonight’s final at home ???? pic.twitter.com/zCzSGTx3cm
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 16, 2024
Messi's comeback was punctuated by a groin injury, which had sidelined him previously for a friendly in Hong Kong. Yet, his inclusion in the starting 11 heightened the spectacle of the match. Despite a goalless first half, Inter Miami took the lead in the 64th minute when Shanyder Borgelin rose above defenders to nod in a corner kick delivered by Finnish midfielder Robert Taylor.
Nevertheless, Newell's Old Boys displayed resilience, leveling the score in the 83rd minute with a commanding strike from Argentine midfielder Franco Martin Diaz. The equalizer injected drama into the contest, illustrating the competitive spirit between the two sides.
The match served as a prelude to Inter Miami's upcoming MLS season, with fans eagerly anticipating Messi's contributions and the emergence of promising talents like Borgelin and Sunderland. The draw against Messi's former club underscored the significance of the occasion, evoking memories of his formative years in Argentine football.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami's journey in the MLS will commence with a home fixture against Real Salt Lake. The draw against Newell's Old Boys provided valuable insights for Inter Miami's coaching staff, highlighting areas for improvement and showcasing the team's potential. As the season unfolds, the presence of Messi and the determination of the squad augur well for Inter Miami's aspirations in the MLS.
