Inter Miami faced a thrilling encounter in Riyadh on Monday, as Luis Suarez netted his first goal for the team, and Lionel Messi converted a penalty. Despite their efforts, the Major League Soccer side couldn’t secure victory, succumbing to a 4-3 defeat against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal at the Kingdom Arena.
The match witnessed an array of goals, with former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic putting Al Hilal ahead in the 10th minute. Abdullah Al-Hamdan extended the lead to 2-0 just three minutes later, capitalizing on a defensive error by Miami’s Noah Allen.
Miami had their chances, with Sergio Busquets missing an opportunity to pull a goal back in the 26th minute. The game took a dramatic turn as Miami fought back from a 3-1 deficit early in the second half, leveling the score at 3-3.
However, Brazilian forward Malcom proved to be the hero for Al Hilal, scoring an 88th-minute header that secured a 4-3 victory. The entertaining friendly showcased the competitive spirit of both teams.
This clash was part of Inter Miami’s extensive pre-season tour, spanning the globe in preparation for the upcoming Major League Soccer season, set to kick off on February 21. The team’s resilience and the individual brilliance of Suarez and Messi provide promising signs for their fans as they gear up for the challenges ahead.