The Showdown in Sin City: Inter Miami Ties with Club América in Preseason Thriller
Hey, football fans! Strap in because we’ve just witnessed a preseason spectacle in Las Vegas that had fans on the edge of their seats. Inter Miami, with their star-studded lineup, faced off against the mighty Club América, and what a game it turned out to be. The final score? A nail-biting 2-2 draw, with Inter Miami taking the day in the penalty shootout. But let’s dive into the player ratings because, boy, did we see some fireworks!
Player ratings
Lionel Messi – 8/10Messi, the magician himself, didn’t miss a beat. He scored the first goal of the Javier Mascherano era at Inter Miami, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the best. His goal in the 34th minute was pure class, but let’s be honest, he could’ve had a couple more if not for some tight defending by América. His energy was high, but Mascherano wisely kept his minutes limited, showing care for his star player’s fitness.
Luis Suárez – 7/10The Uruguayan was as sharp as ever, setting up Messi’s goal with a clever pass. He was all over the field, trying to pull the strings, but his shots on goal were just off the mark. Still, his presence was felt, making the América defense work overtime.
Sergio Busquets – 7/10The maestro in midfield was as composed as always, dictating play and breaking up América’s advances. His distribution was on point, but he seemed a touch out of rhythm at times, which is understandable given it’s just the beginning of the preseason.
Jordi Alba – 6.5/10Alba’s dynamism on the left was evident, but he struggled with some of América’s pacey wingers. His crosses were hit and miss, but defensively, he was solid when needed.
Tomas Aviles – 8.5/10The young defender was the unsung hero, scoring the crucial equalizer in stoppage time. His header from a corner kick was not just about timing but also about heart. His performance showed he’s ready to step up when called upon.
Henry Martín (Club América) – 7.5/10For América, Martín was a constant threat. His goal in the 31st minute was well-taken, showing why he’s a key player for the Mexican giants. He kept the Miami defense busy all match.
Israel Reyes (Club América) – 7/10Reyes put América back in the lead with a well-taken goal in the 53rd minute, proving his worth in both defense and attack. His performance was a reminder of why América is a force to be reckoned with.
The Young Guns:
Santiago Morales (Inter Miami) – This 17-year-old made headlines by scoring the winning penalty in the shootout. His composure was beyond his years, signaling a bright future for Inter Miami.
Conclusion
The match was more than just a scoreline; it was a statement. Inter Miami, under new management with Mascherano, showed they’re not just here to play; they’re here to compete. Club América, fresh off their Apertura 2024 title, didn’t make it easy, proving why they’re champions. The game was a rollercoaster, with both teams showcasing moments of brilliance, some errors, and a lot of heart.
For Inter Miami, this game was a perfect blend of experience and youth, with Messi leading the charge but the likes of Morales proving that the future is bright. The chemistry between the ex-Barcelona stars and the new talents is something to watch as the season progresses.
For those of you who missed it, you missed a treat. But don’t worry, this is just the beginning. Inter Miami’s 2025 preseason tour across the Americas promises more games, more excitement, and hopefully, more magic from Messi and company. Stay tuned to our blog for more updates, detailed analyses, and all the drama from the world of football!
