Lionel Messi sends emotional message to fans after masterful display in Inter Miami's pre-season demolition of C.D. Olimpia

Messi posted on Instagram in the wake of the warm-up match, during which he scored the opener from a Luis Suarez assist. He also set up a third Miami goal for Noah Allen as the Florida side eventually won 5-0. Afterwards, the 37-year-old superstar expressed his gratitude to the country of Honduras for hosting his team.

Messi captioned his post: "Adding up the minutes of preparation...Thank you for everything, Honduras!!"

Inter Miami are busy laying the foundations for their 2025 MLS season, in which they will hope to go one better than 2024 after falling surprisingly ealry in the MLS Cup play-offs, despite claiming the Supporters' Shield. The win over C.D. Olimpia marked Miami's fourth pre-season outing of the year so far, after previously going head to head with Club America, Universitario and Sporting San Miguelito in Nevada, Peru and Panama respectively.

The 2025 regular season kicks off for Inter Miami on Febriary 22 when New York City FC visit Chase Stadium. Before then, however, one final warm-up will take place against Florida rivals Orlando City at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Valentines' Day.