The Argentine and the Herons played to a second-consecutive regulation draw, with the result settled by a penalty shootout
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Inter Miami draw Peruvian side Universitario 0-0 in preseason friendlyMessi and Suarez both logged 71 minutesTadeo Allende made debut in XIGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAFPTELL ME MORE
Another friendly, another penalty shootout win for Inter Miami, who remain unbeaten in preseason under new manager Javier Mascherano.
Inter Miami and Club Universitario couldn't separate themselves in a 0-0 draw that was ultimately decided on spot kicks in Lima, Peru – part of the MLS side's preseason tour.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were both named to the starting XI, along with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Meanwhile, newcomer Tadeo Allende was handed his Miami debut, being thrown into the XI from the opening whistle. Benjamin Cremaschi, who was a member of Mauricio Pochettino's January training camp with the USMNT, replaced Allende midway through the second half, with the U.S. international getting some crucial minutes off the bench as well.
Miami's stars didn't exactly dazzle in their time on the pitch, but Suarez did put the ball in the back of the net in the first half — only for it to be called back due to an offside call in the buildup. Messi, meanwhile, ran the show in the attacking third of the pitch throughout the first 45 minutes, despite nothing coming of it.
Universitario had their moments, too, but a lack of clinical finishing – from both teams – loomed large.
In penalties, Universitario would rue their third attempt, with the ball skying over the net, ultimately settling the match as every other taker found the back of the net. For the second-straight match, Miami found victory in kicks from the spot after a regulation draw, with a 5-4 shootout win.
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The won their preseason opener against Club America in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 regulation draw. Messi opened his preseason account in the match, scoring a sensational goal for Miami en-route to victory.
AFPTHE MVP
The fans in attendance:
The soccer fans who filled the stands at the Estadio Monumental created an incredible atmosphere that lasted 90 minutes long with whistles, chants, music and cheers. The noise filled the broadcast throughout the entire contest, creating a thrilling background for the affair.
Even through the final whistle, those at the match didn't quiet down, with voices of support for both clubs. It was more inspiring than any of the action on the pitch.
AFPTHE BIG LOSER
Luis Suarez: The Uruguayan forward struggled to integrate into the match from the opening whistle. At times, he didn't look up to fitness, struggling in transition — which is expected in preseason. However, his runs into space were poorly timed, and he often was standing watching rather than moving to get into the match.
Not his best showing, but at the same time, service was limited, too.
