Goals galore
Inter Miami’s pre-season goalscoring woes were put to bed against Al-Hilal but they suffered a 4-3 friendly defeat.
Alexandar Mitrovic and Abdullah Al-Hamdan put the Saudi Pro League side ahead before Luis Suarez pulled one back.
Michael restored the two-goal lead but a Lionel Messi penalty and David Ruiz strike levelled the scores, only for Malcolm to net a late winner.
Leo’s legacy
Brad Friedel feels Lionel Messi’s impact on MLS has been “enormous” and urged league chiefs to make sure the increased interest leads to sustainable growth.
Speaking exclusively to LiveScore, the former USA No1 said: “The second Messi signed, his face was everywhere, pink Inter Miami shirts were everywhere and on billboards. The impact has been enormous.
“Over here we’ve been struggling to get that large lucrative television contract so hopefully this can instigate more discussions.”
Kit of alright
Lionel Messi has shown off Inter Miami’s new home kit.
The pink adidas design includes the club’s motto — Freedom to Dream — in English on the collar and Spanish on the lower hem.
Miami also have a new sponsor on the front thanks to their partnership with Royal Caribbean International.
The kit is set to make its home debut when Messi and Co take on boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys on February 15.
Messi mania
El Salvador president Nayib Bukele was in attendance to see Inter Miami kick off their pre-season tour with a goalless draw against the Central American national team.
Lionel Messi started alongside former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez for the first time but was not able to find a breakthrough before being substituted at half-time.
Miami are next in action against FC Dallas on Monday at the Cotton Bowl.
Sporting KC fire director
Sporting Kansas City have sacked their sporting director after only eight days in the job.
Gavin Wilkinson’s appointment drew ire from the supporters, causing principal owner Michael Illig to make a U-turn.
Illig said: “Our action today demonstrates our longstanding, unequivocal respect for their voices and the belief that we are all stronger when we listen to one another.”
