Friday night was a celebration for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. The MLS club honored the Argentinian soccer legend and club captain at DRV PNK Stadium, putting together a friendly match with a pregame ceremony in which Messi brought out his record eighth Ballon d’Or.
Messi won the award two weeks ago, beating out 23-year-old Erling Haaland and 24-year-old Kylian Mbappe. Messi’s performance in the 2022 World Cup played a primary role in the deserved awarding of the coveted prize
Lionel Messi’s “Noche d’Or”
To begin Inter Miami’s “Noche d’Or“, Messi walked out to midfield toting the trophy following a speech from club owner Jorge Mas.
Lionel Messi presents his Ballon d’Or to Inter Miami fans
Messi then gave a speech of his own to the fans in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He gave thanks to the club and supporters, and mentioned that he has “no doubts” that next year will be better than 2023.
New York City FC spoil the party
While the events started swimmingly, the on-field performance from Inter Miami put a damper on what should have been one of Messi’s most memorable nights. Messi missed a couple of decent scoring chances in the first half, and New York struck for the first goal in the 43rd minute.
In the second half, NYCFC quickly extended their lead through fellow Argentinian Julian Fernandez in the 48th minute.
Julian Fernandez scores for NYCFC vs. Inter Miami
Robbie Robinson got a goal back as a second half sub, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat.
Inter Miami will now head on vacation, with no matches left to play this year. Messi, meanwhile, will head straight to Ezeiza to begin training with the Argentina national team. They face Uruguay and Brazil in the next round of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.