NEW DELHI:
Inter Miami
showcased their prowess as
Luis Suarez
netted his first goal for the
Major League Soccer
side at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena on Monday, and
Lionel Messi
converted a penalty. However, the efforts fell short, with
Saudi Pro League
side
Al Hilal
securing a 4-3 victory.
The match's climax came with an 88th-minute header from Brazilian forward Malcom, ultimately settling the score after Miami fought back to level at 3-3 from a 3-1 deficit early in the second half.
Former Fulham striker and Serbian international
Aleksandar Mitrovic
initiated the scoring for Al Hilal in the 10th minute, skillfully side-footing a finish past Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender following a well-executed offensive sequence.
Saudi international forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan extended Al Hilal's lead to 2-0 after 13 minutes, capitalizing on a misplayed clearance from Miami defender Noah Allen.
Miami had an opportunity to pull one back in the 26th minute when Sergio Busquets volleyed over from close range after a defensive lapse from Al Hilal.
Julian Gressel's persistence paid off for Miami in the 34th minute, setting up Luis Suarez for a goal initially disallowed for offside but later validated by VAR, bringing the score to 2-1.
However, Al Hilal swiftly restored their two-goal advantage just before halftime. Al-Hamdan delivered a cross into the area, finding Brazilian forward Michael, who nodded home after a rushed clearance attempt by Miami's goalkeeper.
Miami showcased resilience after the break, leveling the score with two quick goals. Lionel Messi converted a penalty in the 54th minute, and shortly after, a ferocious strike from David Ruiz made it 3-3.
With the game poised for a draw, Malcom's decisive header in the 88th minute secured a 4-3 win for Al Hilal.
The friendly served as part of Inter Miami's pre-season tour, preparing for the upcoming Major League Soccer season starting on February 21. The team will face Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in their next friendly in Saudi Arabia before continuing their tour with matches in Hong Kong and Japan.
(Inputs from AFP)
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