Nightmare in Saudi Arabia: Lionel Messi injured, Inter Miami trounced 6-0 by Al Nassr
The match was billed as a showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Messi was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Ronaldo, meanwhile, scored twice for Al Nassr.
Inter Miami’s preseason tour of Saudi Arabia turned into a nightmare on Thursday night as the team was trounced 6-0 by Al Nassr in a friendly match at King Fahd International Stadium.
Lionel Messi (Illustration). Image USA TODAY
Inter Miami’s other goals were scored by Anderson Talisca (2), Vincent Aboubakar, and Moussa Marega.
The result was a major disappointment for Inter Miami, who are preparing for their third season in Major League Soccer. The team has yet to win a game in preseason and has been outscored 11-3.
“It was a difficult night,” said Inter Miami coach Phil Neville. “We made some mistakes and we were punished. We need to learn from this and move on.”
Inter Miami’s next game is on Saturday against Al Hilal.
Messi’s injury is a major blow to Inter Miami. The team was already without several key players due to injury, and Messi’s absence will only make things more difficult.
Inter Miami’s defense was poor. The team gave up six goals, and could have easily conceded more.
Ronaldo was the star of the show. The Portuguese forward scored two goals and was a constant threat to Inter Miami’s defense.
It’s still early in preseason, but Inter Miami will need to improve significantly if they want to be successful in MLS this season.
Source (compilation)
