Inter Miami's highly anticipated preseason game in Saudi Arabia, showcasing Messi and Ronaldo, turned disastrous as they suffered a 6-0 defeat against Al Nassr. Messi, feeling discomfort since Monday's loss, spent most of the match on the bench and only played a brief cameo in the 83rd minute. Despite a star-studded lineup, Inter Miami remains winless in four games, outscored 11-3.
Ronaldo, nursing a calf injury, watched from a suite as cameras captured contrasting reactions - Ronaldo smirking, Messi looking dejected. Al Nassr's Anderson Talisca scored a hat trick, and Inter Miami faced growing criticism on social media.
Coach Tata Martino, visibly frustrated at halftime, emphasized the need for lessons and a strong start. Gressel acknowledged the team's growth potential but stressed the importance of avoiding early deficits. Martino's focus on managing players' minutes and ensuring fitness for the MLS season opener on Feb. 21 against Real Salt Lake remains a priority for Inter Miami. Lessons learned, and the team aims to be in top form when the season begins.
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Messi and Ronaldo Absence: Inter Miami faced a major setback in a preseason match in Saudi Arabia as Messi, feeling off after a prior game, spent most of the match on the bench, and Ronaldo, dealing with a calf injury, watched from a suite.
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Heavy Defeat: Despite a star-studded lineup, Inter Miami suffered a crushing 6-0 defeat against Al Nassr, with three goals conceded in the first 12 minutes. The team is yet to secure a win in four games of their seven-game preseason tour.
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Injury Concerns: Messi felt discomfort after Monday's match and underwent an MRI, while Ronaldo, dealing with a calf injury, did not play. Both legends were visibly affected during the first half, with Ronaldo smirking and Messi appearing concerned.
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Coaching Perspective: Tata Martino, the Inter Miami coach, did not address the media after the match. Still, Julian Gressel revealed that Martino was animated during halftime, emphasizing the need to start strong and manage players' minutes for a healthy and fit squad in the upcoming MLS season.
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Fan Reactions and Lessons: Inter Miami fans expressed disappointment on social media, criticizing the team. Gressel acknowledged the unfavorable result but stressed the importance of learning from the experience, with a focus on improvement for the next match and the upcoming MLS season.
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