Lionel Messi Takes the Field in Japan Friendly as Vissel Kobe Triumphs over Inter Miami in Penalty Shootout
After the letdown in Hong Kong, Lionel Messi made a short appearance in Tokyo during Inter Miami's latest match in Asia. Despite his 30-minute stint on The field, some fans were left wanting more. Messi's entry seemed to inject energy into his teammates, and he nearly scored in the 80th minute with two close-range shots that were both blocked by Vissel Kobe's defense.
The game ended in a 0-0 draw, leading to a penalty shootout that Vissel Kobe won 4-3. Interestingly, Messi didn't take a penalty, which didn't sit well with some of the 28,614 fans at Tokyo’s National Stadium.
The disappointment in Tokyo wasn't as intense as what occurred in Hong Kong, where Messi's absence due to a groin injury led to some fans demanding refunds. Messi addressed the situation in a rare press conference in Tokyo, expressing regret over The public relations setback. Despite uncertainty about his fitness, he delighted fans when he started warming up in the second half.
The inter-Miami coach Gerardo Martino explained that Messi felt good after Tuesday's practice, leading to the decision for him to play for 30 minutes. Although Messi appeared comfortable on the field, it remains unclear why he didn't participate in the penalty shootout.
Vissel Kobe had several close calls in the match, hitting the post twice in the first half and dominating play overall.
This match concluded Inter Miami's global promotional tour, which spanned from El Salvador to Dallas, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong before ending in Tokyo. Despite only winning one of The six games, the team's preseason will wrap up on February 16 in Florida against Newell's Old Boys, Messi's childhood club from Rosario, Argentina. Many speculate that Messi might finish his career there.
The inter Miami boasts a roster filled with former Barcelona players, including Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. Before the match, Andres Iniesta, another former Barcelona star who played for several seasons in Japan with Vissel Kobe, briefly addressed the crowd.