The Uruguayan set up a goal, while Messi was his usual buzzing self, in a comfortable 3-1 win for Javier Mascherano's side
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Luis Suarez assisted in 3-1 Inter Miami winLionel Messi held scoreless, denied by good savesMiami remain undefeated in preseasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE
Inter Miami enjoyed the majority of the possession in the early goings, but had little to show for it in an eventual 3-1 win over Panama's Sporting San Miguelito. Lionel Messi came close after a weaving run and exchange with Luis Suarez, only to be well denied by the goalkeeper.
The home side, meanwhile, had one real chance – and they took it. A well worked counter made it happen, with Adan Hendricks providing a neat side footed finish after 24 minutes.
The Herons offered the equalizer shortly before half time. Messi started it, evading his man before feeding Marcelo Weigandt, who crossed to a wide open Benjamin Cremaschi at the far post. He couldn't miss from two yards out. Miami offered more attacking trust in the second half. Tadeo Allende grabbed the go-ahead goal after 52 minutes, finding the bottom corner off a Luis Suarez assist. Fafa Picault added a third to put the game to bed.
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The Herons are now undefeated in preseason. They beat Club America to open their campaign, before edging Universitario on penalties last weekend.
GettyTHE MVP: LUIS SUAREZ
This was a pretty middling game for Messi. He enjoyed flashes, but it was Suarez whose performances should offer real encouragement. The striker was a surprisingly nimble, dogged presence up front – despite his aging legs.
His assist for the second goal was a lovely thing, and he was unfortunate not to grab one of his own. Miami has its critics for keeping him around, but if he can offer this level of performance, they might just have made the correct call.
THE BIG LOSER: ROBERT TAYLOR
It's all looking a bit grim for Robert Taylor. The winger was a crucial part of this Miami team when Messi first arrived in the summer of 2023, turning into Andres Iniesta-lite with the help of the Argentine
Instead, he finds himself languishing on the bench, and down in the pecking order. He had to settle for 10 minutes of action. It's doubtful he will see much more.
