Lionel Messi back after injury ,Inter Miami crash to 3-4 defeat vs Vissel Kobe in friendly

Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah
By
Lionel Messi back after injury ,Inter Miami crash to 3-4 defeat vs Vissel Kobe in friendly
Messi
Written By : Leah De-Graft Takyi


Lionel Messi, the football sensation, made a highly anticipated comeback for Inter Miami in their friendly clash against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo. Following the disappointment in Hong Kong, where fans demanded refunds due to Messi's absence because of a groin injury, the Argentine star graced the Tokyo exhibition by playing the final 30 minutes. Despite a remarkable chance created by Messi and his teammates, Inter Miami faced defeat in a penalty shootout.

The Tokyo match served as Messi's opportunity to bounce back from the backlash in Hong Kong, where he faced criticism for not playing. Addressing the issue in a press conference, Messi expressed regret over the public relations debacle and initially remained uncertain about his fitness for the Tokyo game. However, the crowd erupted in cheers as Messi began warming up in the second half, indicating his readiness to take the field.

Inter Miami's coach, Gerardo Martino, confirmed that Messi felt fit after a practice session and willingly agreed to a 30-minute playtime. Despite his impactful performance, Messi abstained from participating in the penalty shootout. The situation took a political and commercial turn when the Hong Kong government questioned why Messi played in Japan but not in Hong Kong.

The Tokyo match marked the conclusion of Inter Miami's global promotional tour, featuring games in El Salvador, Dallas, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong. The team secured only one victory out of the six matches played during the tour. The preseason is set to wrap up on February 16 in Florida against Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s childhood club, adding an emotional touch to the concluding event.

Comments

MORE FROM
sports

More From 3Music News

Rory Sykes, Former Child Star Perishes in LA Wildfires
entertainment | BY Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah | January 14th, 2025

Rory Sykes, Former Child Star Perishes in LA Wildfires

Former child actor Rory Callum Sykes, known for his roles on shows like Kiddy Kapers despite being born blind and with cerebral palsy, was tragically killed by the flames.

Romeo Swag Crowned Winner Of Mentor-Rising Star Edition
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | January 14th, 2025

Romeo Swag Crowned Winner Of Mentor-Rising Star Edition

Ghanaian artiste Romeo Swag has emerged as the winner of Mentor Season 13: Rising Star Edition. The grand finale, held with much anticipation and excitement, showcased fierce competition among the finalists, but Romeo Swag’s electrifying performances and undeniable talent set him apart, earning him the coveted title

Fameye Introduces Exclusive FAMEYE GOLD PACK For Fans
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | January 14th, 2025

Fameye Introduces Exclusive FAMEYE GOLD PACK For Fans

Award-winning Ghanaian artiste Fameye has unveiled the Fameye Gold Pack, a premium offering designed for his most dedicated fans. The unique package features a collection of 30 of Fameye’s hit songs preloaded onto a custom pendrive, along with a 24-carat gold SIM card that grants fans exclusive status as premium supporters

GUBA Enterprise Cancels Africa Nominees Brunch in Solidarity with LA Fire Victims
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | January 14th, 2025

GUBA Enterprise Cancels Africa Nominees Brunch in Solidarity with LA Fire Victims

The GUBA Enterprise has announced the cancellation of the Africa Nominees Brunch in Los Angeles, originally scheduled for February 1st. The decision was made in solidarity with the victims of the recent LA fires, which have caused widespread devastation across the city

Stonebwoy Earns Double Nomination At 2025 Trace Awards
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | January 14th, 2025

Stonebwoy Earns Double Nomination At 2025 Trace Awards

Ghanaian reggae dancehall superstar, Stonebwoy continues to make waves on the global stage with two prestigious nominations at the upcoming Trace Awards, set to take place on February 26, 2025, in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Ayisi Releases Visualizer For New Single, NEW BEGINNINGS
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | January 14th, 2025

Ayisi Releases Visualizer For New Single, NEW BEGINNINGS

Ghanaian artiste Ayisi has unveiled the visualizer for his latest single, New Beginnings. The song, which highlights themes of growth, resilience, and fresh starts, is accompanied by a captivating visualizer that enhances the track’s uplifting message

Asake Drops Stunning Music Video For WHINE Featuring Ludmilla
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | January 14th, 2025

Asake Drops Stunning Music Video For WHINE Featuring Ludmilla

Nigerian artiste Asake has unveiled the music video for his hit single WHINE, featuring Brazilian star Ludmilla. Shot on location in Brazil, the video showcases vibrant visuals that highlight the cultural fusion of Afrobeat and Brazilian funk

President Biden Announces $770 Relief Payment for Californians Affected by Wildfires
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | January 14th, 2025

President Biden Announces $770 Relief Payment for Californians Affected by Wildfires

President Joe Biden has announced a single payment of $770 to assist Californians impacted by the devastating wildfires

Indian Rupee Hits Record Low Against US Dollar Amid Economic Pressures
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | January 14th, 2025

Indian Rupee Hits Record Low Against US Dollar Amid Economic Pressures

The Indian rupee reached a historic low against the US dollar, extending its decline for the second consecutive day as economic challenges and global market trends weighed heavily on the currency

TikTok’s Future in Limbo as National Security Concerns Spark Speculation
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | January 14th, 2025

TikTok’s Future in Limbo as National Security Concerns Spark Speculation

The fate of TikTok’s U.S. operations remains uncertain as national security concerns and legislative actions intensify, with January 19 set as a pivotal deadline for the app to either sell its U.S. branch or cease operations in the country

Leonardo DiCaprio Faces Backlash for Private Jet Evacuation Amid LA Wildfires
entertainment | BY Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah | January 13th, 2025

Leonardo DiCaprio Faces Backlash for Private Jet Evacuation Amid LA Wildfires

Actor and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio has come under fire for evacuating the Los Angeles area via a private jet.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Finalize Divorce Agreement
entertainment | BY Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah | January 13th, 2025

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Finalize Divorce Agreement

After months of speculation and public interest, court documents have confirmed that Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, famously known as "Bennifer", have reached a settlement in their divorce.

More Similar Videos

No similar videos to show related to this post. Explore other sections.