Messi was silent in the match against his childhood team.

American Lionel Messi failed to score in his 60 minutes of action, as Inter Miami drew 1-1 with his boyhood club Newell's Old Boys in a friendly.

*Goals: Borgelin 64' - Diaz 83'.

This was Messi's first start since the defeat to Al Hilal on January 30, although the 37-year-old superstar seemed to have not yet regained his best form. His best chance came in the 31st minute. Receiving the ball in the middle, Messi pushed the ball and accelerated to get past midfielder Newell's, before bringing the ball into the penalty area and curling it into the far corner, just wide of the post. Had the ball gone into the net, the goal could have been considered a masterpiece.

Messi in the match between Inter Miami and Newells — Messi in the match between Inter Miami and Newell's at DRK PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, on the evening of February 15, 2024. Photo: *OneFootball*

Six minutes later, Messi came close to another masterpiece, this time from a corner kick from 25 metres out. He curled the ball over the wall and into the near post, but it still missed the post. Many people in the stands held their heads in regret.

Messi only played 60 minutes in this match, along with former Barca teammates Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez. The Miami captain shot three times, all of which were not aimed at the goal. In addition, he also took a corner kick, sending the ball straight to the goal, but goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos easily caught it.

Before Messi left the field, a small spectator ran towards him, as security personnel were unable to keep up. However, the superstar's bodyguard rushed out and grabbed the spectator, preventing him from reaching Messi. Meanwhile, the Argentine captain received applause from both Miami and Newell's Old Boys.

Messi was silent in the match against his childhood team. — Newell's Old Boys players ask to take a photo with Messi.

Four minutes after Messi and Suarez left the field, the home team opened the scoring thanks to 1.93m striker Shanyder Borgelin. However, Miami did not win in the final friendly match, as midfielder Franco Diaz equalized for the visitors, making the score 1-1.

Inter Miami will play their first round of MLS 2024 six days from now against Real Salt Lake. Last season, Miami finished 14th in the Eastern Conference, while Salt Lake finished fifth in the Western Conference.

Messi played for Newell's from the age of eight until he was 13. The Argentine club is currently second in Group B of the national championship. He has said he would like to return to play for Newell's one day.

Hoang An

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