As Inter Miami went on pre-season tour across North and South America, they won 5-0 against Honduran team CD Olimpia with Lionel Messi scoring once and scoring an assist. Messi started things off in the first half by giving an exquisite pass from Luis Suarez to score the first goal of the match, and both were seen hugging each other in a very heartwarming gesture.
Federico Redondo added a quick brace, scoring twice in just 90 seconds to give Inter Miami a 3-0 lead. Messi later showed off his skill, dribbling past two defenders and the goalkeeper to set up Noah Allen for the third goal before halftime. Suarez scored the fourth goal with a nutmeg past the goalkeeper, and Ryan Sailor completed the 5-0 scoreline later in the match.
Messi received a standing ovation when he was substituted. After the final whistle, the opposing team players were more than willing to take selfies with him, creating a commotion. Since joining the club, Messi has become an important figure, but last season, they missed the league title after finishing atop the regular season but getting knocked out early in the playoffs.
Lionel Messi received a standing ovation as he was subbed off during Inter Miami's pre-season friendly ⚽️💗 pic.twitter.com/7vcwaxxeQE
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) February 9, 2025
After the end of the match, all the Olimpia players wanted a photo with Messi 😂📸
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) February 9, 2025
Inter Miami has also hired Javier Mascherano, another former teammate of Messi, as their new head coach. Mascherano said, “I’m not one to try and force things or prove something that doesn’t need to be proven. In the end, it’s not just my relationship with Leo but also with Luis, Jordi, and Busi… Outside of the club, our relationship will remain the same — I don’t like to mix things.
It’s a bit weird to have him as a coach now, but we respect him for the role he has. We’ve talked – it’s about understanding that he is the one making the decisions now. He’s no longer just a former teammate; he’s the one in charge, and we have to respect that,” Suarez said.
