Lionel Messi fueled Inter Miami, creating two goals in the club’s 3-1 preseason win over Panama’s Sporting San Miguelito in Panama City on Sunday afternoon.
But it was his teammates’ defense of Messi that stood out the most from Inter Miami’s third preseason match of the year.
Messi was defended recklessly by San Miguelito’s Aymar Cundumí in the second half. Cundumí slid into Messi’s feet on a hard tackle, which Messi’s teammates strongly opposed in a heated argument between both sides.
Messi and Cundumí found themselves in another challenge, bumping each other several times before a referee issued a second yellow card to Cundumí to remove him from the game.
Inter Miami players such as Marcelo Weigandt, Toto Aviles, David Ruiz, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Yannick Bright were among several Messi teammates who contested Cundumí’s overzealous defense on Messi’s behalf.
Messi left the game in the 76th minute as a substitute, leading to a brief talk with Inter Miami coach, and his former teammate, Javier Mascherano when he reached the sideline.
But the damage was already done.
Messi sparked Benjamín Cremaschi’s goal just before halftime (45’+1), after a back-and-forth exchange with Weigandt, who got the assist. Then, Messi led David Ruiz into position to find Fafà Picault for a goal in the 64th minute.
Inter Miami newcomer Tadeo Allende also scored a sliding goal, his first for the club, in the 48th minute just after halftime.
Messi scored a goal against reigning LIGA MX champions Club América in Inter Miami’s first preseason match in Las Vegas on Jan. 18. He was scoreless against reigning Peruvian champions Universitario last Wednesday.
Inter Miami won both games by penalty shootout.
Messi continues to play in prime form ahead of the 2025 MLS season, which will also see Inter Miami compete in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
Messi and Inter Miami return to action for their fourth of five preseason games against Club Olimpia Deportivo in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. ET.
Inter Miami’s final preseason game will be on Feb. 14 against MLS rival Orlando City at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Messi and Inter Miami will play the first game of the 2025 MLS season, hosting New York City FC on Feb. 22 at 2:30 p.m. ET.
However, the club will be in action on the road against Sporting Kansas City in the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup on Feb. 18. They’ll play the second leg at Inter Miami on Feb. 25.
Check out these highlights from the match.
Fafà Picaultgoal: Inter Miami 3, San Miguelito 1
Lionel Messi has two hockey assists on the night, starting another goal opportunity for Inter Miami. Messi found David Ruiz in space, and Ruiz found Fafà Picault, who scored in the 64th minute.
Inter Miami updated live stream
Tadeo Allende goal: Inter Miami 2, San Miguelito 1
Tadeo Allende has scored his first goal for Inter Miami in the 48th minute, and the club has bounced back nicely after an early 1-0 deficit in Panama City.
Benjamín Cremaschi goal: Inter Miami 1, San Miguelito 1
Inter Miami on in the board just before halftime as Benjamín Cremaschi’s right boot from the center of the box found the net on an assist by Marcelo Weigandt. It the first goal this preseason for Cremaschi, an Argentine nation who played for the U.S. men’s national team at the Paris Olympics and two friendlies last month. But the opportunity was created by Messi, who despite being pulled by defenders placed a through ball to Weigandt to spark the goal.
Adan Hendricks goal: San Miguelito 1, Inter Miami 0
Adan Hendricks scored in the 24th minute, finding the net with an assist by Diego Valanta behind the unbalanced Inter Miami defense.
How to watch Messi, Inter Miami vs. Sporting San Miguelito live stream?
Live stream in U.S. and Canada on InterMiamiCF.com.
Inter Miami’s YouTube channel will provide a free live stream
Panamá Local Broadcast: SerTV, TV MAX, RPC
Rest of World: OneFootball App
Messi in Inter Miami starting lineup vs. Sporting San Miguelito
Messi is in Inter Miami’s starting lineup for today’s game.
How has Messi, Inter Miami performed during preseason?
Inter Miami won both preseason games in a penalty shootout. They beat Club América 2-2 (3-2 in penalty kicks), then beat Universitario 0-0 (5-4 in penalty kicks).
Mascherano is pleased with Messi’s ramp up during the preseason, and the club’s performance after facing such stiff competition in his first two matches at the helm of the MLS club.
“We have played against two champions – against a three-time champion (in Club América) and against a two-time champion (Universitario) of leagues that are important,’ Mascherano said. ‘That for us has been a very, very good test.’
What is the rest of Inter Miami’s preseason schedule?
Inter Miami will play its fourth preseason game against Club Olimpia Deportivo in San Pedro Sula, Honduras on Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. ET.
Inter Miami’s final preseason game will be on Feb. 14 against MLS rival Orlando City at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
When does Inter Miami begin the 2025 MLS season?
Messi and Inter Miami will play the first game of the 2025 MLS season, hosting New York City FC on Feb. 22 at 2:30 p.m. ET.
However, the club will be in action on the road against Sporting Kansas City in the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup on Feb. 18. They’ll play the second leg at Inter Miami on Feb. 25.