‘Very special’ - Lionel Messi reacts to emotional reunion with Newell’s Old Boys as Inter Miami end tumultuous pre-season with one win in seven

The Herons have been tipped by many to launch a bid for four major honours in 2024, with co-owner David Beckham helping to piece together a star-studded squad at DRV PNK Stadium. Pre-season preparations have not played out as planned, though, with just one victory collected from seven fixtures.

Inter Miami have travelled the globe on a historic international tour, but found positive results hard to come by in El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Japan. They were also unable to prevail on American soil, with a 1-0 defeat to FC Dallas in January followed by a 1-1 draw with Newell’s as warm-up duties came to a close in mid-February.

Messi was able to see an hour of action against his first club, in an emotional outing for him, and appears to have shaken off the fitness issues that have been holding him back. He has posted on social media of lining up against the team that put him on the path to superstardom: “A very special game to end the preseason!!!”

Inter Miami’s next game will have precious points on the line, as they prepare to host Real Salt Lake in a 2024 MLS season opener on February 21. Martino will be hoping to see his side burst out of the traps there, with no momentum being established as yet.