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Lionel Messi's Inter Miami embarked on its Saudi Arabia tour with a thrilling encounter against Al-Hilal, ultimately succumbing to a 4-3 defeat in Riyadh. The high-profile match featured Messi scoring from the penalty spot in the second half, but the decisive moment unfolded in the 88th minute when Malcom secured the win for Al-Hilal.
The preseason fixture in Saudi Arabia is part of Inter Miami's preparations for the upcoming Major League Soccer (MLS) season. Despite the star power of Messi and the team's recent success in securing the Leagues Cup, the defeat to Al-Hilal presents an early challenge for the MLS side.
The match had added intrigue due to Al-Hilal's previous strong links with Messi when he became a sought-after free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. Ultimately, Messi chose to join David Beckham's Inter Miami, leading the team to its first trophy in his debut season.
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The Saudi Arabia tour serves as a crucial part of Inter Miami's preseason, offering valuable playing time and team bonding opportunities. The team's journey includes stops in Hong Kong and Japan, with an eagerly anticipated showdown against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nasser looming as a highlight.
Former Newcastle and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic set the tone for Al-Hilal, finding the net in the 10th minute, followed by Abdullah Al-Hamdan doubling the lead three minutes later. Luis Suarez, another marquee signing for Inter Miami, pulled one back, but Al-Hilal maintained a two-goal advantage with Michael's goal in the 44th minute.
Messi's moment arrived in the 54th minute when he converted a penalty, and shortly after, David Ruiz leveled the score. However, as the match seemed destined for a draw, Malcom's late goal secured the victory for Al-Hilal.
The defeat to Al-Hilal highlights the competitive nature of preseason matches and the challenges that even star-studded teams like Inter Miami can face. The tour aims to fine-tune the team's performance ahead of the MLS season, and the upcoming matches in Hong Kong and Japan will provide additional tests and opportunities for growth.
As Inter Miami continues its preseason journey, the focus will be on building cohesion, integrating new signings, and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in the competitive MLS landscape. The defeat to Al-Hilal serves as a valuable learning experience for Messi, Suarez, and the entire Inter Miami squad as they seek to make an impact in the upcoming season.
