Lionel Messi’s magic flickered briefly in Tokyo, but ultimately left some fans frustrated as Inter Miami’s Asian tour ended with a penalty shootout loss against Vissel Kobe.
After the disappointment of missing their Hong Kong match, Messi appeared for the final 30 minutes in Tokyo, injecting energy into his team and nearly snatching victory with two late scoring chances saved by the Kobe defense.
However, his decision not to take a penalty in the shootout, which Vissel Kobe won 4-3, drew jeers from the crowd of 28,614. While not as intense as the boos in Hong Kong, it highlighted the high expectations and potential for disappointment surrounding the legendary footballer.
Messi had addressed the Hong Kong incident in a rare pre-match press conference, acknowledging the public relations misstep. Fans in Tokyo seemed initially appeased by his presence, cheering wildly as he began warming up.
Despite Messi’s late spark, Vissel Kobe controlled much of the game, hitting the post twice and creating better scoring opportunities.
This frustrating match concluded Inter Miami’s six-game global tour, ending with only one victory. Their pre-season wraps up on February 16th in Florida against Newell’s Old Boys, a clash holding sentimental value for Messi as his boyhood club.
While the tour served as a promotional effort, showcasing Inter Miami’s star-studded squad featuring Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, it also laid bare the challenges of meeting the immense expectations surrounding these iconic players. As the team enters the regular season, the pressure will be on Messi and his fellow veterans to deliver consistent magic, not just fleeting glimpses, to truly satisfy the global fanbase they’ve attracted.
