Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are set to face Hong Kong Team in a preseason match at the Hong Kong Stadium, as they continue their search for the elusive first win in five preseason contests. The match is scheduled for a 3 a.m. ET start on Sunday, and will be broadcast via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
The Argentine World Cup champion and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi, has been a regular presence in Inter Miami’s preseason lineup, appearing in all four matches so far. However, his participation in the upcoming match is still uncertain due to injury discomfort he experienced during the week in Saudi Arabia.
“We want Leo to play as much as possible,” said Inter Miami coach Tata Martino, “but we will evaluate the players and see how things progress in training.” Despite the uncertainty, Martino has stated that it is “likely” Messi will play in the match.
The preseason tour has been eventful for Inter Miami, with the team losing three matches and drawing one. They have scored a total of three goals, all in one match, and have allowed 11 goals. “If there is a time when this has to happen and an alarm has to ring, it is better that it happens in preseason,” Martino said. “We will try to improve and put the best team forward.”
Inter Miami has two more preseason matches, one of which will be played abroad. They will face Japanese champion Vissel Kobe in Tokyo on Wednesday, and return home to South Florida for a week. On Feb. 15, the club will face Newell’s Old Boys, the Argentine team from Messi’s hometown. Inter Miami’s 2024 MLS season begins with two matches in the opening weekend: Inter Miami hosts Real Salt Lake on Feb. 21, and visits the L.A. Galaxy on Feb. 25.
The preseason match in Hong Kong has generated significant interest, with Inter Miami holding a practice in front of a sold-out crowd of 40,000 fans at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday. The team expects the same turnout for the match on Sunday. David Beckham, a co-owner of Inter Miami, took to social media to describe the scene. “Amazing… a sold out stadium for our pre-season training session in Hong Kong,” Beckham posted on Instagram. “Thank you for all your incredible support and love, see you all tomorrow.”
In conclusion, the preseason journey of Lionel Messi and Inter Miami continues in Hong Kong, as they search for their first win in five preseason contests. Despite the uncertainty