Lionel Messi found the back of the net on Saturday as Inter Miami kicked off their pre-season with a penalty shoot-out victory over Mexico’s Club America in Las Vegas.
The Argentinian star equalised for Miami in the 34th minute, heading in a Luis Suarez cross from close range after Henry Martin had given America an early lead.
Club America regained the lead in the 52nd minute with a strike from Israel Reyes at the Allegiant Stadium, putting the Mexican side ahead 2-1.
Miami’s new coach, Javier Mascherano, substituted Messi in the 66th minute as part of a series of second-half changes.
Just when America seemed set for victory, Tomas Aviles nodded in a stoppage-time equaliser, thanks to a perfectly delivered corner from Julian Gressel.
The match was ultimately decided by a penalty shoot-out, with Miami emerging victorious 3-2 in sudden death.
