Inter Miami vs Newell’s Old Boys: Lionel Messi’s reunion with childhood club Newell’s Old Boys ends in a draw 1-1

Thanking the supporters who came from near and far to watch Inter Miami’s final preseason game against his childhood club from Argentina on Thursday, Lionel Messi lifted his hands as he exited the field.

During his 60 minutes of play in Thursday night’s 1-1 tie against Newell’s Old Boys, Messi missed a free kick and another opportunity where he charged the net between multiple defenders, but he did not score.

Good news: Messi seems to be in perfect health. With purpose and energy, he sprinted quickly and forcefully, dribbling between opponents while pressing down on the gas pedal with his foot. Messi’s decision to sit out a friendly did not seem to indicate that he was limited by the hip adductor injury that shocked people in Hong Kong earlier this month.

After leaving the game, Inter Miami coach Tata Martino revealed that Messi felt comfortable and that he is “completely recovered.”

According to Martino, Messi was only supposed to play 45 minutes against Newell’s, but he ended up playing 57. Compared to his previous game in Tokyo, where he played in the last 30 minutes, Messi’s play almost doubled. It is hoped that he can keep getting better in the last days before the season kicks off on Wednesday.

In the 37th minute, Messi missed a free kick that was barely outside the left side of the net. In the same situation, his kick just lacked the bend that fans have come to expect from him on some of his best career highlights.

In the 31st minute, Messi surged past defenders toward the goal, but he missed a shot as well. His kick likewise went wide left.

Messi usually doesn’t pass up chances like that unless he’s hurt or has just returned from a lengthy layoff.

After a young fan ran onto the field to try to get close to Messi in the 60th minute, security arrived and pulled the youngster away.
In the stands at DRV PNK Stadium, red and black Newell’s Old Boys jerseys, worn by the Argentine team Messi initially played for when he was six years old, were displayed alongside Inter Miami and Argentine shirts.

Shanyder Borgelin of Inter Miami scored a header in the 65th minute, and Franco DiÁaz of Newell tied the score in the 83rd…

After traveling the world, Inter Miami concluded the preseason with one victory, two draws, and four losses (one coming via penalty shootout). For Inter Miami, Messi was one of eight goal scorers; in the preseason, the team let up thirteen goals.

There’s cause for Newell’s supporters in the stands to celebrate: In the eighty-third minute, Franco DiÁaz, a 23-year-old, tied the score at one…

There are nine minutes remaining in the game before extra time, and Inter Miami goaltender Drake Callendar didn’t play his best defense.