Messi and Suarez scores but Inter Miami loses in friendly match against Al HilalInter Miami Vs Al Hilal- Messi and Suarez scores but Inter Miami loses in friendly match against Al Hilal. Credit: Getty Images

In the first game of the Riyadh Season Cup on Monday, Al Hilal defeated Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in a thrilling triumph. The match, which finished 4-3 in favor of the Saudi Pro League squad, was part of the American team’s rigorous pre-season training because the Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

Despite the close loss, Inter Miami’s all-star lineup—which included players like Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez—displayed their skill. Suarez scored the team’s opening goal, and Messi added a point with a penalty kick. Nevertheless, Al Hilal’s resolute performance, which ultimately ensured the victory, eclipsed their efforts.

Messi after scoring a Penalty against Al Hilal
Inter Miami Vs Al Hilal-Messi after scoring a Penalty. Credit: (Ahmed Yosri/Returns)

Highlights of first half of Inter Miami Vs Al Hilal:

Aleksandar Mitrovic, the formar Premier League player gave Al Hilal the lead in the 10th minute, sparking the match into action. Mitrovic outmanoeuvred the Miami defense and slotted the ball past goalie Drake Callender, showcasing his clinical precision. Using Miami’s Noah Allen’s defensive slip, Saudi international Al-Hamdan swiftly doubled Al Hilal’s lead in only the 13th minute of the game.

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Sergio Busquets had a chance to cut the Miami lead, but he missed it. However, the team’s effort paid off in the 34th minute when Jordi Alba’s brilliant pass set up Julian Gressel to assist Suarez, who scored with ease. The goal stood after the initial offside ruling was overturned by VAR. But shortly before halftime, Michael headed in from a cross by Al-Hamdan to give Al Hilal their two-goal advantage by the end of first half of the game.

Highlights of second half of Inter Miami Vs Al Hilal:

A strong Miami team tied the score in the second half thanks to a penalty kick from Messi, the call for the penalty was controversial because Mohammed Jahfali was thought to have fouled Ruiz. It was only a matter of moments until David Ruiz scored a spectacular shot to tie the score at three.

Though it looked like the game would conclude in a draw, Malcom’s vital header in the 88th minute swung the odds in Al Hilal’s favor, giving Miami something to think about before their next friendly.

Next match of Inter Miami

Inter Miami will play one more game in Saudi Arabia, the second encounter being the more eagerly awaited of the two Goats. On Thursday, Lionel Messi and team are scheduled to play Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr; however, the Portuguese star’s health is still uncertain as a result of a recent injury.

By Aditya Patel

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