Messi and Suarez rekindle old Barcelona magic in spectacular style for Inter Miami

Robin Bairner

• 22 Feb 2024 01:08 CST
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were quick to rekindle their old Barcelona magic as their first competitive appearance for Inter Miami together ended in a 2-0 MLS victory over Real Salt Lake.

While the buildup to the new campaign has been dogged by controversy for Messi and Miami, the Storks got off to a quick start in Florida, aided by their two most recognisable players.

Messi and Suarez played together at Barcelona for six years between 2014 and 2020, and they were quick to strike up the type of understanding that saw them win LaLiga on four occasions and the Champions League once during that spell.

It was the Argentine who was first to play a decisive role as he slipped in a nice pass to set up Robert Taylor to score the opening goal of the season for David Beckham’s franchise. The forward struck with an angled finish, though there is little doubt that RSL keeper Zac MacMath should have done more to stop it.

With seven minutes remaining, the magic really happened. Messi gathered the ball in the centre circle before setting off on a trademark surging run towards the heart of the defence. He slipped the ball left to Suarez, who in turn bounced a first-time pass to Diego Gomez. After taking a touch to get the ball out of his feet, the midfielder fired home.

Difficulties put aside

After a stormy pre-season, it was a perfect way for Messi and Inter Miami to get their campaign underway.

The Argentine found himself at the eye of a diplomatic storm when he did not come on during a friendly against a Hong Kong XI because he was injured. This sparked an outcry from organisers, who felt the World Cup winner had insulted them by not playing. This sense of injustice was only heightened when he played in Japan a few days later.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami have also been dogged with financial controversy, but the manner in which Suarez and Messi hooked up on Wednesday will help fans forget those problems for now.