They may both be 37 but Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are not ready to hung up their boots just yet.
The iconic duo were named as the strike partnership in Javier Mascherano’s first game in charge for the Herons, a friendly against Club America in Las Vegas. It was America who took the lead on the night but Miami hit back swiftly through Messi.
The Argentine began the move with a pass out to Jordi Alba, sweeping forward on the left. He clipped in a cross towards Suarez, who tapped it into the path of Messi, who had found space in the box. Messi nodded the ball home from close range for Inter Miami’s first goal of 2025.
Inter Miami have rung the changes for 2025, parting ways with former head coach Tata Martino. The Argentine led Miami to a record-breaking regular season campaign and Supporters’ Shield trophy last year but the team fell at the first hurdle in the playoffs.
This season could well be the last one with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez in the team, so there is a real ‘win-now’ pressure at Chase Stadium. They have moved to augment the squad with a raft of offseason signings.
-MLS veteran Fafà Picault arrives from Vancouver Whitecaps, while ex-San Lorenzo right-back Gonzalo Lujan will bolster the defensive options. The departure of Diego Gomez to Brighton & Hove Albion leaves Miami lacking energy in the midfield and they will hope that 21-year-old Telasco Segovia can go some way to filling the gap. The loan signings of Tadeo Allende, David Martínez and Rocco Rios Novo have added further depth.
“I like my teams to play with intensity and courage,” Mascherano said recently, when asked what he expects of his team. “But we know we are just starting and we need to stay calm. We’re happy with the players. They’re working hard and doing very well.”
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverageright at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
