Lionel Messi headed in a goal to help Inter Miami overcome an early deficit, then sent a playful message to fans in Las Vegas. After his first-half goal, Messi held up three fingers, seemingly a nod to Argentina’s three World Cup victories—a reminder to fans of Club América, the reigning Mexican league champions, that their country lacks a major international soccer title.
Messi’s celebration quickly went viral on social media, but it was Inter Miami’s young stars who stole the spotlight in the dramatic closing minutes of Saturday’s preseason match.
In the dying moments of stoppage time (90+2’), 20-year-old defender Toto Aviles headed in a corner kick from Julian Gressel to equalize and send the game to penalty kicks. Then, 17-year-old Santiago Morales, making his debut as a supplemental roster player, scored the decisive penalty to secure a 2-2 draw (3-2 in penalties) in front of 45,262 fans at Allegiant Stadium.
Morales, the son of Inter Miami assistant coach Javi Morales, was mobbed by his teammates after clinching the victory.
The penalty shootout took an unusual turn when Club América missed its first three attempts. Meanwhile, David Martinez and David Ruiz converted their shots for Inter Miami. Earlier, Messi—Argentina’s World Cup and two-time Copa América champion—had headed in a goal in the 34th minute off a pass from Luis Suárez, responding to Henry Martin’s opener in the 31st minute. Israel Reyes later gave Club América a 2-1 lead with a goal in the 52nd minute.
Messi exited the match in the 65th minute but remained animated on the sidelines, enjoying the thrilling conclusion as his team pulled off the memorable preseason victory.
