Sports

Messi, Suarez close Inter’s preseason without seeing win

Sports Desk, Feb 16 (EFE).- Major League Soccer club Inter Miami closed its preseason on Thursday with a 1-1 draw against Newell’s Old Boys at home.

The club won just one preseason match, in Hong Kong, in which two of its most recognizable stars, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, did not play.

Both Messi and coach Gerardo Martino have a strong connection with Miami’s latest rival, Argentine club Newell.

Martino is the player with the most appearances in Newell’s history and was also the protagonist of the championships it won in 1988, 1990, 1991, and 1992.

He was also appointed the team’s manager in 2013.

Messi left Newell’s to join FC Barcelona after a productive youth career with the Argentine side.

Haitian Shanyder Borgelin put the hosts ahead in the 64th minute with a header, and Argentine Franco Díaz equalized for Newell’s in the 83rd minute after a defensive error.

Messi and Suarez played 60 minutes, a week ahead of their opening match in the MLS against Real Salt Lake in the coming week.

Their former Barcelona teammate, Jordi Alba, played 72 minutes while Sergio Busquets was rested.

Messi fulfilled his dream of facing his childhood team Newell’s where it all began for him and whose fans have never abandoned him.

This has been demonstrated in many moments of his career, with iconic images such as the celebration at Camp Nou of the goal dedicated to Maradona shortly after his death.

Many fans of the Argentine club gathered at the DRV PNK Stadium, painting the stands with multiple banners.

Maxi Rodríguez, the legend of Newell’s and the national team, was also present and posed with Messi and ‘Tata’ Martino wearing a Lepers t-shirt.

Messi returned to the field after the match to attend a photo session with Newell’s players. EFE

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