Club América faced Inter Miami in a thrilling friendly match at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The match saw goals from Henry Martín and Lionel Messi, with Messi marking his first goal of 2025. The game was part of Inter Miami's preseason tour under new coach Javier Mascherano, and América's preparation for the Liga MX season.
The Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas was the stage for a high-profile friendly match between Club América, the reigning Liga MX champions, and Inter Miami, led by the legendary Lionel Messi. This encounter marked the first-ever meeting between these two clubs, promising an exciting display of football talent and strategy. Both teams entered the match with different objectives: América aimed to maintain their competitive edge, while Inter Miami sought to kickstart their preseason under the guidance of new head coach Javier Mascherano.
The match between América and Inter Miami was a historic first, as these teams had never met before. América, fresh off their third consecutive Liga MX title, was eager to showcase their prowess against the MLS side. Despite a recent 1-1 draw against Club Tijuana, América fielded a strong lineup, reflecting their seriousness about the friendly. On the other hand, Inter Miami, now under the leadership of Javier Mascherano, was looking to make a strong start to their preseason tour, which includes matches across four countries. This game also marked the beginning of a new era for Inter Miami, following an early exit from the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs [1] [3].
Lionel Messi, the reigning MLS MVP and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, was a central figure in the match. He scored his first goal of 2025 with a header, assisted by Luis Suárez, to equalize the game after América's Henry Martín had put the Mexican side ahead. Messi's performance was a highlight of the game, showcasing his enduring talent and ability to change the course of a match. His goal celebration included a nod to Argentina's three World Cup stars, a gesture that resonated with fans and added to the spectacle of the friendly [2].
Both teams made several strategic changes throughout the match to test new tactics and players. América's coach, André Jardine, made multiple substitutions to give different players a chance to shine, while Mascherano used the opportunity to assess his squad's readiness for the upcoming MLS season. The match served as a valuable experience for both teams, with América preparing for their domestic league and Inter Miami gearing up for an extensive preseason tour. This friendly was not just a display of talent but also a crucial step in both teams' preparations for their respective competitions [1] [3].
The friendly match between Club América and Inter Miami was more than just a game; it was a celebration of football talent and a strategic exercise for both teams. Lionel Messi's goal and the tactical adjustments by both coaches highlighted the competitive spirit and ambition of the clubs. As América continues to prepare for the Liga MX season and Inter Miami embarks on their preseason tour, this match stands as a testament to the global appeal and excitement of football. Fans around the world eagerly anticipate the upcoming performances of these teams in their respective leagues.
"Todo el mundo conoce del América de México. Vienen ganando los últimos tres torneos en México, tiene grandísimos jugadores de diferentes selecciones." - Luis Suárez
"El objetivo es poner a punto a todos los jugadores física y técnicamente para cuando empiece la competición oficial." - Javier Mascherano