Messi scores for Mascherano's Miami in preseason win over Club America

Agence France-Presse ·
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 18: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF kicks the ball under pressure from Sebastian Caceres #4 of America in the first half of their preseason friendly match at Allegiant Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Inter Miami FC defeated America 3-2 in a penalty shootout.
Ethan Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Lionel Messi got on the scoresheet Saturday as Inter Miami opened their preseason campaign with a penalty shoot-out victory over Mexico's Club America in Las Vegas.

Argentinian superstar Messi headed home a Luis Suarez cross from close range after 34 minutes to equalise for the Major League Soccer side after America had taken the lead through Henry Martin moments earlier.

Israel Reyes fired America back in front in the 52nd minute at the Allegiant Stadium to make it 2-1.

New Miami coach Javier Mascherano removed Messi from the field on 66 minutes in a flurry of second-half substitutions. 

America appeared poised for victory but Tomas Aviles nodded home an equaliser two minutes into stoppage time after a superb inswinging corner from Julian Gressel.

That sent the friendly to a penalty shoot-out, won 3-2 by Miami in sudden death.

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