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Inter Miami vs Club America: Messi magic and Arrogance shocking the field 2025

Nikil

Inter Miami vs Club America, Inter Miami continued their impressive preseason preparations with a dramatic 2-2 draw and penalty shootout victory over Club América, the reigning Liga MX champions. Lionel Messi’s header, a viral celebration, and the heroics of young talents like Toto Aviles and Santiago Morales were key highlights in a thrilling encounter at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium

Inter miami vs club america

Inter Miami vs Club America: Messi’s Magic and Inter Miami’s Resilience

Messi’s Viral Celebration and Stunning Goal

Lionel Messi, fresh off another stellar year, opened his 2025 preseason campaign in style with a header in the 34th minute. The Argentine maestro, assisted by Luis Suárez, showed his class by effortlessly nodding the ball past Club América’s defense to equalize after Henry Martín’s opening goal in the 31st minute.

Messi’s celebration, holding up three fingers, symbolized Argentina’s three FIFA World Cup titles. It served as a playful jab at the Mexican fans in attendance and quickly went viral on social media, further solidifying Messi’s status as a global icon.

Late Drama: Toto Aviles and Santiago Morales Step Up

Inter Miami showed remarkable determination in the dying moments of the match. In the second minute of stoppage time (90+2’), Toto Aviles rose above the Club América defense to head in a Julian Gressel corner, forcing the game into a penalty shootout.

The real story, however, was Santiago Morales, a 17-year-old making his debut. With composure beyond his years, Morales scored the decisive penalty to give Inter Miami a 3-2 shootout victory. The young midfielder, whose father is an assistant coach at the club, was mobbed by his teammates in celebration.

Key Highlights from Inter Miami vs. Club América

1. Henry Martín’s Opener

Club América took the lead in the 31st minute when Henry Martín capitalized on a well-timed pass from Brian Rodríguez. Martín’s finish into the lower right corner highlighted Inter Miami’s defensive vulnerabilities early on.

2. Messi’s Equalizer

Just three minutes later, Messi responded with a signature moment. After a sequence initiated by Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez found Messi in the box for a precise header, leveling the score and reigniting Inter Miami’s momentum.

3. Israel Reyes Restores Club América’s Lead

In the 52nd minute, Israel Reyes pounced on a failed clearance by the Inter Miami defense to give Club América a 2-1 advantage.

4. Toto Aviles’ Heroics

With time running out, Inter Miami’s Toto Aviles delivered a clutch header to equalize in stoppage time.

5. Penalty Shootout Drama

The penalty shootout saw a mix of misses and makes, but it was Santiago Morales’ calm finish in the sixth round that sealed the victory for Inter Miami.

Player Performances: Who Stood Out?

Lionel Messi (8/10)

Messi led by example, scoring a crucial equalizer and showcasing his playmaking abilities. His viral celebration added to the spectacle.

Toto Aviles (8/10)

Aviles’ late equalizer was a testament to his aerial prowess and determination, making him one of the standout performers.

Santiago Morales (9/10)

The 17-year-old showed nerves of steel in the penalty shootout, cementing his place as a rising star to watch.

Luis Suárez (7/10)

Suárez’s assist for Messi’s goal was a reminder of their enduring chemistry.

Jordi Alba (7/10)

Alba’s attacking runs and key passes were instrumental in creating opportunities for Inter Miami.

Tactical Analysis: How Inter Miami Fared

Strengths

  1. Dynamic Attack: Messi, Suárez, and Alba combined effectively, showcasing Inter Miami’s offensive depth.
  2. Young Talent: The emergence of Aviles and Morales highlights the club’s commitment to developing young players.

Weaknesses

  1. Defensive Fragility: Both of Club América’s goals stemmed from lapses in Miami’s defensive organization.
  2. Missed Opportunities: While Messi and Suárez created chances, finishing could be more clinical as the season progresses.

What This Means for Inter Miami

Inter Miami’s win against a formidable opponent like Club América sets a positive tone for the 2025 season. With preseason games in Peru, Panama City, and Honduras still to come, the team has opportunities to fine-tune their tactics and address weaknesses.

The victory also builds confidence ahead of a packed schedule that includes the MLS opener against New York City FC, the Concacaf Champions Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Conclusion: A Promising Start for Inter Miami

Inter Miami’s thrilling win over Club América highlighted their resilience and showcased the talent within their squad. Lionel Messi’s leadership, combined with contributions from veterans like Luis Suárez and emerging stars like Santiago Morales, underscores the team’s potential for a successful 2025 season.

While defensive concerns remain, the victory against Liga MX champions demonstrates that Inter Miami is prepared to compete at the highest level. Fans can look forward to an exciting year as Messi and his teammates aim for silverware across multiple competitions.

FAQs About Inter Miami vs. Club América

1. What was the final score of Inter Miami vs. Club América?

The match ended 2-2 in regular time, with Inter Miami winning 3-2 on penalties.

2. Who scored for Inter Miami?

Lionel Messi and Toto Aviles scored for Inter Miami. Santiago Morales delivered the decisive penalty in the shootout.

3. Why did Messi celebrate with three fingers?

Messi’s celebration symbolized Argentina’s three FIFA World Cup titles, possibly as a playful response to Club América fans.

4. What’s next for Inter Miami?

Inter Miami will play preseason matches in Peru, Panama, and Honduras before opening their MLS season on February 22 against New York City FC.

5. How did Inter Miami perform in the penalty shootout?

Inter Miami converted three penalties, with Santiago Morales scoring the decisive kick. Club América missed three of their attempts.

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