Inter Miami’s final friendly game of the year on Friday night, at DRV PNK Stadium, was all about celebrating Lionel Messi and his record eighth Ballon d’Or.
The Messi festivities were spoiled by NYCFC, as Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 home loss in a friendly that marked the South Florida side’s last match of 2023.
Talles Magno led the way for the visiting side with a goal and assist, but Inter Miami found some life late through a finish from substitute Robbie Robinson, Futbol.substack.com reports.
Unfortunately for Messi and the Herons, that was as close as they got to salvaging a result in front of their home crowd. Messi, who showed off his Ballon d’Or trophy prior to kickoff, played the entire 90 minutes, but he couldn’t stop his Miami side from being second best. NYCFC were worthy winners.
Ahead of Inter Miami’s Noche d’Or friendly vs NYCFC Friday evening, Lionel Messi gave a speech to the crowd thanking them for their support.
The World Cup champion walked out onto a red carpet at DRV PNK Stadium to the center of the pitch and presented the prestigious trophy to everyone in the stadium, giving a speech while applauding the Herons supporters, GOAL reports.
“It’s very special to share this with you.
“I haven’t been here for long but it feels like I’ve been here for a long time,” Messi tells the Inter Miami fans.
Messi promises more from Inter Miami in 2024.
“I have no doubt that next year we’re going to do a lot better.
“I’m confident we’re going to carry on enjoying our football – and achieving things,” Messi adds. He spoke in Spanish, by the way.
Messi has changed the entire course of the Inter Miami organization ever since his arrival, winning the inaugural Leagues Cup and guiding them from the bottom of MLS to a fringe playoff team. If the Argentine would have avoided injury in September, it’s almost a guarantee they would have made the postseaon.
Messi is set to head off to international duty with Argentina for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil after Inter Miami fell to New York City FC 2-1 Friday evening.
