Inter Miami lost 2-1 to New York City FC on Friday night, in a tribute game arranged to honour Lionel Messi’s record eighth Ballon d’Or success.
After a quiet first half NYCFC striker Talles Magno put the visitors ahead just before the break, staying composed as he dribbled past Miami defender Kamal Miller before finding the far corner. But it very quickly became two as Julian Fernandez scored a powerful effort two minutes into the second half, before Robbie Robinson pulled one back for Miami late on.
It proved that even though they have the best player in the world, their squad still needs work if they’re going to compete next season. The ex-Barcelona reunion is set to grow as Luis Suarez has agreed to sign for the franchise, according to ESPN.
It was a sour note to end 2023 on for Messi, but fans appreciated his words before the start of the game on Friday. “First of all I want to say thank you for coming, for this beautiful ceremony,” Messi said to the crowd. “For me, it’s something amazing to share this moment with you.
