Lionel Messi reappeared in the friendly match with Vissel Kobe, but Inter Miami still ended their Asia tour with a 0-0 draw in 90 minutes and then lost 3-4 in the penalty shootout.
Inter Miami caused frustration in Hong Kong (China), because Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez did not play in the friendly match with the Hong Kong star team last weekend.
After the unforgettable incident, Inter Miami pleased the audience when they traveled to Japan on the final leg of their Asia tour. Luis Suarez started and played 75 minutes in the friendly match with Vissel Kobe, and Lionel Messi came on as a substitute in the 60th minute.
Lionel Messi came on as a substitute and played the last 30 minutes. (Photo: Reuters)
Luis Suarez played 75 minutes in this match. (Photo: Reuters)
However, the American team was still disappointed when drawing 0-0 with Vissel Kobe. Even Lionel Messi and his teammates had to listen to whistles in the dull atmosphere at the end of the match.
Entering the penalty shootout, Lionel Messi did not take any kicks and Inter Miami lost 3-4 to Vissel Kobe. Three players, Robert Taylor, Noah Allen, and Gregore, consecutively failed, causing Inter Miami to lose from standing before a chance to win, when Hotaru Yamaguchi and Ryo Hatsuse missed for Vissel Kobe.
Thus, Inter Miami ended their Asian tour with 3 losses and 1 win. Before drawing 0-0 with Vissel Kobe and then losing in the penalty shootout, Messi’s team lost to Al Hilal 3-4, lost to Al Nassr 0-6 and won 4-1 against the Hong Kong stars.
Returning to the United States, Inter Miami will play a friendly match with Lionel Messi’s childhood team, Newell’s Old Boys, at DRV PNK’s home field at 6:30 a.m. on February 16 (Vietnam time). This is also Inter Miami’s last friendly match before entering the 2024 season.