On January 19th, Beijing time, Miami International played their first game of the new year against America, a preseason friendly match. The partnership between Messi and Suarez remained as默契 as ever, with the duo combining to score one goal. Miami International drew 2-2 with their opponents within 90 minutes and won 3-2 in the penalty shootout, securing Mascherano's first victory as coach of Miami International. After the game, the team was awarded a commemorative trophy. The final score was 5-4, with Miami International lifting the trophy, Mascherano's debut victory, and Messi scoring with a header + breaking records.
Mascherano, the new coach of Miami International, lined up in a 442 formation for this match, with Rios in goal, Alba, Allen, Aviles, and Wegant forming the four-man defense. Pico, Redondo, Busquets, and Taylor partnered in midfield, while the double forwards were Suarez and Messi. America is a traditional Mexican powerhouse team, with a total value of 93.65 million euros, higher than that of Miami International (64.65 million euros).
In this friendly match, America took the lead in the 30th minute when Miami International's defense made a mistake, allowing Martin to seize the opportunity and score. Three minutes later, Messi initiated an attack and then made a run forward, with Suarez providing the cross. Despite being only 1.7 meters tall, Messi managed to head the ball and help Miami International equalize the score. In the 51st minute, Miami International's defense faltered again, and Reyes took advantage to score for America.
As it was just a warm-up match, training was the most important aspect, so Miami International made continuous substitutions afterward, with Messi and other main players resting on the bench. In the stoppage time of the game, Miami International scored a dramatic equalizer, with Aviles' header taking the game into a penalty shootout. During the decisive penalty shoot-out, both teams had low penalty conversion rates, with Miami International converting 3 out of 6 penalties and their opponents converting 2 out of 6. Miami International secured their first victory of 2025.
After scoring in this match, Miami International officially congratulated Messi for scoring goals continuously since 2005, making it 21 consecutive years. Messi once again broke his own record for consecutive natural year goals, demonstrating his outstanding form at the age of over 37. It is also worth mentioning that, according to reports from Argentina's Ole newspaper, Messi faced boos from America's fans every time he touched the ball during the match. After scoring, Messi responded by making a "3" gesture towards the provocative fans and motioned for them to be quiet.
The newspaper stated that Messi's gesture meant: Argentina has won three World Cups, what about you? Shut up. Obviously, in the face of disrespectful behavior from the fans, Messi's response was very domineering. Next year will be the Mexico-Canada-United States World Cup, and we look forward to Messi continuing to play, leading the Argentine team to launch another assault on the World Cup title and striving to defend their championship.