Messi Finds the Net, but Inter Miami Falls Short Against Al-Hilal in Friendly Match:
In a thrilling club friendly held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday, Malcolm scored a late header, securing a 4-3 victory for Al Hilal over Inter Miami CF, which featured Lionel Messi
Al Hilal, a team from the Saudi Pro League boasting former European pros, took an early lead with goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic and Abdullah Al-Hamddan. Inter Miami CF pulled one back before halftime with a goal from Luis Suárez, marking his first since joining the team. However, Messi’s equalizer was ruled out for offside.
Al Hilal extended their lead with a header from Michael Delgado, making it 3-1 at halftime.The second half saw a remarkable comeback by Inter Miami CF, led by David Ruiz. He drew a penalty converted by Messi and scored a spectacular shot from the top of the area, leveling the score in the opening 10 minutes. Both teams had opportunities to secure the win, but it was in the 88th minute that Malcolm, meeting a cross from Yasir Al Shahrani, scored a powerful header, securing Al Hilal’s victory.
The result leaves Inter Miami CF winless in preseason after three games. Messi, who played an increasing number of minutes in each preseason game, was substituted off in the 87th minute just before Malcolm’s winning goal.
Notably, when Messi became a free agent last year, Al-Hilal was heavily connected to him; nevertheless, he ultimately decided to transfer to the United States and sign with David Beckham’s Miami squad. Messi guided Miami to its first championship, the Leagues Cup, quite soon. Miami sets out on a lengthy trip with stops in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Japan, all while getting ready for the first full season. Messi is along for the ride. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to play in Miami’s second game in Saudi Arabia on Thursday against Al Nassr, however his participation is questionable because of a recent injury.
