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Lionel Messi gives glimpse of star quality but Inter Miami lose in Japan after Hong Kong let-down
- Messi comes on as substitute after Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba all start game against Vissel Kobe
- American club lose in penalty shoot-out and have won only one of six preseason matches
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Lionel Messi played the closing half-hour as Inter Miami lost a penalty shoot-out to Vissel Kobe last night after the 90 minutes in Tokyo finished scoreless.
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The Argentine superstar was roared on to the field at Japan National Stadium, with the gleeful locals relieved to avoid the misery endured by Hongkongers when Messi stayed rooted to the bench in Sunday’s exhibition match.
Moving freely and appearing untroubled by the adductor injury that was cited for his failure to appear in Hong Kong, Messi injected urgency and imagination into a previously lethargic and uninspired Miami.
The 36-year-old showed with his nimble footwork and exquisite close control why he remains the sport’s biggest draw.
He nearly won the match with 11 minutes remaining. Through on goal, Messi’s attempt was repelled by substitute goalkeeper Shota Arai. Defender Takuya Iwanami scurried back to the goalline to scramble clear Messi’s scuffed, low shot on the rebound.
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