- Inter Miami, with Messi & Suarez debuting, draws 0-0 against El Salvador.
- The Barcelona reunion disappoints in an underwhelming friendly match.
- High expectations are not met; Miami manages only 2 shots on goal.
Suarez made his debut alongside his former Barcelona colleagues, Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, following the completion of his winter transfer from Gremio to Miami. The Major League Soccer (MLS) team played the country currently placed 70th in the official FIFA standings in an unusual preseason friendly.
Residents of San Salvador packed the stadium to watch their national team play four football superstars who are expected to help Miami win the MLS title the following season.
Nevertheless, manager Gerardo Martino changed all four players at halftime, and despite having their best players on the pitch, Miami only managed two shots on goal, finishing in a 0-0 tie.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is receiving every bit of support from the David Beckham-owned Miami Dolphins, as the Barcelona reunion gets under way. After his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expired in June 2023, Messi left the French powerhouse and committed to Miami.
Both Alba and Busquets later signed with the football maestro once their Barcelona contracts expired.
Last year, Messi helped Miami win the Leagues Cup. He made his debut in the competition's opening group match, which pitted MLS teams against Liga MX teams from Mexico. With 10 goals in seven games, Messi was a key player in the team's first-ever championship victory.
Before Messi arrived, Miami had difficulties in the Major League Soccer, and once play resumed, things were set in stone for them. Phil Neville, a former manager of Manchester United and England international, lost his job because of their dismal performance before Messi joined.
Miami's standards were immediately raised by Messi's arrival, while the addition of Busquets and Alba improved their overall ability and provided balance. Following Josef Martinez's departure at the conclusion of the 2023 Major League Soccer season, it became clear that the team was looking to add another striker, which is how Suarez's acquisition was announced.
With World Cup champions and industry icons on its roster, Miami has one of the strongest teams in the division's history for the 2024 MLS season. Despite the great expectations for the first game of the season, Messi looked unhappy sitting between Alba and Suarez, who also displayed symptoms of displeasure.
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