Inter Miami, who began their MLS campaign in the worst possible way with a heavy defeat, beat Independiente del Valle 2-1 in the final friendly of the Champions Tour, held in Puerto Rico, with a goal from Lionel Messi, who came on as a substitute in the second half.
The Herons took the lead in the first half with a goal from Santiago Morales after an assist from Uruguayan Luis Suárez, but their joy was short-lived. In fact, it didn’t last long at all, because almost immediately, just a minute later, Ecuadorian Patrik Mercado leveled the score after receiving a pass from Argentine Matías Perelló, formerly of Central Córdoba.
The introduction of Messi and Rodrigo De Paul improved the team managed by Javier Mascherano, who returned to winning ways thanks to the Rosario native, who converted a penalty with his characteristic class. He crossed his shot and placed it in the top left corner of the net, past Argentine goalkeeper Guido Villar, who dived the other way.
Thus, Inter Miami secured a victory that doesn’t quite erase the memory of their poor start to the 2016 season, where they’ve lost more than they’ve won in this Champions Tour.
Their next MLS match, corresponding to the second round, will be away against Orlando City on Sunday at 9 PM Argentina time.
