Inter Miami CF began their preseason with a 2-2 draw against Club America in regular time on Saturday night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada before winning in penalties (3-2).
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano made his managerial debut after being appointed to the role on Nov. 26, 2024, initiating a new chapter for the club. The Herons lined up in a 4-4-2 for the first time under the helm of the Barcelona figure, with star players Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez up top.
After retaining most of the possession, Club America opened up the scoring in the 31st minute of the match with a goal from Henry Martín. But the Liga MX giants failed to retain the early lead for long, as Messi found a way to connect with Suarez inside the box before heading the ball into the back of the net.
The Uruguay forward, who signed a new contract with Inter Miami to stay through the 2025 MLS season, volleyed the ball to Messi for the perfect header.
Inter Miami managed to keep the match at 1-1 well into the second half, but Israel Reyes and Club America proved stronger. A series of defensive errors from centre-back pairing Tomas “Toto” Aviles and Noah Allen left Reyes with the ball inside the box, inspiring the player to slide the ball past new Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo.
David Gonzales-Imagn Images
The Herons were able to find the tying goal once again, this time with a header from defender Aviles off of a corner kick from Julian Gressel in the final minutes of the match to send the game to penalties.
Club America will now return to Mexico City to resume the Liga MX tournament, while Inter Miami embark on the South and Central American portion of their 2025 preseason tour. The Herons are set to face Universitario at Estadio Monumental “U” in Peru on Jan. 29 before traveling to Panama to play against Sporting San Miguelito.