Lionel Messi returned to action earlier today in Inter Miami’s final international pre-season friendly against Vissel Kobe in Japan.
Starting the match on the bench, the Herons’ captain entered the field of play just before the hour-mark, with Messi’s introduction producing the loudest cheer of the entire match.
Although the score ended 0-0 with Inter Miami losing on penalties to Vissel Kobe, it was a good performance from the Florida franchise and a good run-out for Messi.
And the world’s international media were impressed with what they saw from the Argentine superstar, with the Japan Times’ Dan Orlowitz lauding Messi as ‘magic’ in the attack for Inter Miami.
Other outlets had similar opinions on Messi’s performance against Vissel Kobe, with Sport Star noting that the attacker’s introduction added ‘a spark’ to Inter Miami’s game that had been lacking earlier in the fixture.
And as per AS, the Spanish publication highlighted how Messi added ‘real thrust’ to the Herons’ attacking line, even if the forward himself was denied by Vissel Kobe’s Shota Arai between the sticks.
Lionel Messi looked like his best for Inter Miami vs Vissel Kobe
After the PR disaster that was Hong Kong, there were many fears going into today’s fixture over Messi would even play for Inter Miami in Tokyo.
However, once warmed up and on the pitch, it was pretty clear that the Argentine forward is now back to his best, with Inter Miami’s best moments all coming through Messi on the night.
With the worldwide tour now over, Messi can return home and get the deserved rest the Argentine international needs ahead of the 2024 MLS season.
And the attacker will be pleased with his performance this evening in Japan, with Messi showing why he’s still one of the best in the world and Inter Miami’s talisman in the front line.