Inter Miami’s preseason campaign got off to a rocky start with four consecutive losses. The team struggled to find their rhythm and secure a victory. This lack of success was concerning for both the players and fans, who had high hopes for the team’s performance. However, things took a positive turn on Sunday as Inter Miami secured their first win of the preseason.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the friendly match against Hong Kong XI, star player Lionel Messi was notably absent from the lineup. Messi, who is said to be dealing with a hamstring injury, was not included in the matchday squad. The decision to rest Messi was likely made with his long-term fitness in mind, but it was disappointing for fans who were eager to see him in action.
Inter Miami’s head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino also made the surprising decision to leave three other former Barcelona stars, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba, on the bench at the start of the match. This move raised eyebrows and led to speculation about the team’s strategy and lineup choices. However, it is important to trust the coach’s decision and recognize that there may have been valid reasons for their absence from the starting lineup.
The Hong Kong XI, led by coach Jørn Andersen, faced their own challenges in the friendly match. As a team made up of players from the Hong Kong Premier League, they lacked familiarity with each other, which ultimately affected their performance. Andersen acknowledged the difficulties his team faced due to the limited time they had to train together. Despite their shortcomings, they managed to put on a good display, particularly in the first half of the match.
Inter Miami took an early lead when Robert Taylor expertly curled a shot into the far corner of the net in the 40th minute. However, their advantage was short-lived as Henry Anier equalized for the Hong Kong XI just three minutes later. It was not until after halftime that Lawson Sunderland tapped the ball into the net, putting Inter Miami back in front. Leonardo Campana extended their lead with a deflected shot, followed by Ryan Sailor’s glancing header that secured a comfortable 4-1 victory.
The introduction of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the second half proved to be a turning point for Inter Miami. The team gained full control of the match and showcased their potential with Sailor’s goal. This victory not only boosted the players’ morale but also provided them with a much-needed confidence boost before the start of the regular season.
Inter Miami’s preseason journey has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. While the initial string of losses was concerning, their recent victory against Hong Kong XI brings hope for the team’s future success. The absence of Lionel Messi and other key players was disappointing but necessary for their overall well-being. As the regular season approaches, Inter Miami must build on the positives from this match and continue working on their strategies to ensure a strong start to the league.
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