Lionel Messi had a special night on Thursday as he faced his old club Newell’s Old Boys for the first time in his career, playing 60 minutes for Inter Miami in a 1-1 friendly draw.
The Argentine legend, who joined the MLS side last year after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, had missed some of the preseason due to a groin injury, but was fit enough to start the match at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Messi, who grew up supporting and playing for Newell’s in his hometown of Rosario, received a warm welcome from both sets of fans, who chanted his name and displayed banners honoring his career.
He also shared a hug with his former teammate and current Newell’s coach, Maxi Rodriguez, before the game.
Messi showed flashes of his brilliance, creating some chances for his teammates and testing the Newell’s goalkeeper with a free kick, but could not find the net.
He was replaced by Lawson Sunderland, a 22-year-old American forward, in the 60th minute, as Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino, another Newell’s icon, decided to rest him ahead of the MLS season opener next week.
Inter Miami took the lead in the 71st minute, when Shanyder Borgelin headed in a cross from Lewis Morgan.
However, Newell’s equalized in the 83rd minute, when Franco Diaz pounced on a mistake by Sunderland and slotted the ball past Drake Callender.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but the result was secondary to the occasion, which was a tribute to Messi and his connection with Newell’s.
Messi, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, said he was happy to play against his old club and thanked the fans for their support.
“It was a very emotional night for me, to face the club that gave me everything and that I love so much,” he said.
“I want to thank the fans of both teams for their affection and respect. It was a beautiful experience that I will never forget.”
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Messi will hope to lead Inter Miami to their first MLS title this season, after finishing second in the Eastern Conference last year.
He will also look to add to his eight Ballon d’Or awards, the most by any player in history.
Inter Miami will kick off their MLS campaign on Feb. 21, when they host Real Salt Lake at home.
