Messi scores for Miami in pre-season victory

Lionel Messi got on the scoresheet Saturday as Inter Miami opened their pre-season campaign with a penalty shoot-out victory over Mexico’s Club America in Las Vegas.

Argentinian superstar Messi headed home a Luis Suarez cross from close range after 34 minutes to equalise for the Major League Soccer side after America had taken the lead through Henry Martin moments earlier.

Israel Reyes fired America back in front in the 52nd minute at the Allegiant Stadium to make it 2-1.

New Miami coach Javier Mascherano removed Messi from the field on 66 minutes in a flurry of second-half substitutions.

America appeared poised for victory but Tomas Aviles nodded home an equaliser two minutes into stoppage time after a superb inswinging corner from Julian Gressel.

That sent the friendly to a penalty shoot-out, won 3-2 by Miami in sudden death. (BSS/AFP)