Lionel Messi : Plays In Japan Friendly As Vissel Kobe Beats Inter Miami On Victorious Penalties

 

Lionel Messi Plays In Japan Friendly As Vissel Kobe Beats Inter Miami On Victorious Penalties 

Credit: Naoki Nishimura-USA TODAY Sports

Following a disappointing performance in Hong Kong, Lionel Messi made a 30-minute appearance in Tokyo during Inter Miami's latest exhibition match in Asia. Despite his efforts, some fans were left wanting more.

 

Messi entered the game as a substitute for the final half hour, injecting energy into his teammates. He even had the best opportunity to score in the 80th minute, but his two point-blank shots were both saved by the Vissel Kobe defense.

 

After a goalless draw in regular time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout, which Vissel Kobe won 4-3. Surprisingly, Lionel Messi did not take a penalty, which resulted in jeers from the crowd of 28,614 at Tokyo's National Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 68,000.

 

However, the level of dissatisfaction expressed by the crowd in Tokyo was nowhere near the level of booing that occurred in Hong Kong when Lionel Messi remained on the bench for the entire game due to a groin injury.

 

In a rare press conference held in Tokyo on Tuesday, the Argentine star expressed remorse as he addressed the public relations debacle. Initially uncertain about his fitness to play in Tokyo, Lionel Messi kept fans guessing until he finally took to the field in the second half, eliciting resounding cheers from the crowd.

 

Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino revealed, "Following Tuesday evening's practice, Lionel Messi conveyed feeling good, and we mutually agreed that he would play for 30 minutes." Martino further added, "We are now extremely pleased with Messi's performance after the game, as he appeared remarkably at ease."

 

The reason behind Messi's decision to not take a penalty was not disclosed.

 

Vissel Kobe, on the other hand, struck the post twice in the first half and enjoyed the lion's share of opportunities in a match they largely dominated.

Inter Miami's global promotional tour came to a close in Tokyo, marking the end of their journey that spanned from El Salvador to Dallas, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong. Throughout the tour, Inter Miami managed to secure victory in just one out of the six games played. As the Miami preseason approaches its conclusion on February 16th in Florida against Newell's Old Boys, Lionel Messi's childhood club from Rosario, Argentina, many speculate that he may ultimately conclude his career there.

 

Notably, Inter Miami boasts a roster filled with former Barcelona players, including Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. Additionally, Andres Iniesta, another former Barcelona star, who had previously played several seasons in Japan with Vissel Kobe, addressed the crowd briefly before the match.