Inter Miami are two games into their pre-season tour and Javier Mascherano’s side are currently unbeaten.
The first game saw them win a penalty shootout over Mexican giants Club America which also saw the debut of Santiago Morales.
Mascherano’s side then faced Peruvian side Universitario de Deportes who they once again defeated on penalties. The game took place in front of 80,000 fans who had come to see Lionel Messi and company for Inter Miami.
Inter Miami fans were impressed by the performance of Noah Allen but everyone had come to see Messi, even the Universitario players were starstruck.
Hugo Ancajima praises Messi
While it is nothing new for players to praise the legendary figure that is Messi it rarely comes straight after the game.
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer recently named Messi ‘the best’, while NBA star Steph Curry also showered the Argentine in compliments.
Mascherano warned that Messi’s playing time may have been limited during pre-season, however, much to the joy of Universitario defender Ancajima, he played 73 minutes in the game.
Many defenders are overjoyed when they see Messi leave the field yet Ancajima loved sharing the field with the 2024 MLS MVP.
Posting to social media after the game, the 26-year-old Peruvian defender highlighted how his ‘dream’ had been fulfilled by sharing the field with Messi.
He said: “Dream fulfilled! A photo with the best of all time. An honor to share the field with Leo Messi, the greatest in history.”
Ancajima’s teammate Gustavo Dulanto also praised Messi but said he and Cristiano Ronaldo were level as the best two players in history.
Inter Miami’s remaining pre-season fixtures
Despite securing two wins from their first two pre-season games, Mascherano will be looking to secure a result in 90 minutes rather than from penalties.
Inter Miami still face games against Sporting San Miguelito, CD Olimpia and Orlando City SC in February.
The Herons will be hoping to bed in their new signings before they face a challenging opening MLS game.
Inter Miami face New York City FC in the first game of the season in front of what is expected to be a packed-out Chase Stadium on February 22.