After failing to win any of their first four pre-season matches, Inter Miami finally recorded a victory by beating the Hong Kong XI 4-1 on Sunday, but star attraction Lionel Messi did not feature in the friendly match.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who is reportedly suffering from a hamstring injury, was not included in Miami's matchday squad despite coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino telling a press conference the Friday that Messi was “likely” to feature in the team. game.
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Martino also decided to leave the team's other three former Barcelona stars (Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba) on the bench from the start in Hong Kong.
Jørn Andersen, who coached the host team, made up of Hong Kong Premier League players, said his team's lack of familiarity with each other disappointed them in the end.
“It wasn't easy because we only had this player one day in training,” Andersen said. “It's not like Inter Miami. They are in preseason. They train every day together.
“So it wasn't easy to pick the right player or pick the right position. But I think outside of this possibility, what we had up front, I think [made] a good game, especially in the first half… But it doesn't matter [because] Today was a spectacular match, it was a great match. Was [a great experience] for every player on the field, every player off the field.
Miami took the lead when Robert Taylor shifted the ball to his right foot and fired into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area in the 40th minute.
However, Miami's lead did not last long as just three minutes later, Henry Anier equalized for the Hong Kong XI to ensure the teams went into the break tied 1-1.
Lawson Sunderland put Miami back in front when Ryan Sailor found him in space inside the six-yard box shortly after halftime.
Four minutes later, Leonardo Campana put Miami up 3-1 with a deflected shot that deflected past goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai.
Miami took full control of the match after Martino introduced Busquets and Alba just after the hour mark, and Sailor scored the team's fourth goal when his header hit the post.
Sunday's victory was Miami's first in five preseason games. Following losses to FC Dallas and Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, Miami were thrashed 6-0 by Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr on Thursday, however, the Portuguese striker missed the match after suffering a calf injury. calf.
The MLS team continues its preseason tour when it faces Vissel Kobe on Wednesday in Japan.
