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<ul><li>Inter Miami draw with Vissel Kobe</li><li>Messi started on bench</li><li>Comes on to light up closing stages</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Lionel Messi denied by heroic goal-line clearance as Inter Miami held by Vissel Kobe in friendly clash marred by disgusting tackle on Sergio Busquets

Gamba Osaka

Vissel Kobe

Vissel Kobe were the dominant side in the first half and will rue their missed chances. The hosts hit the post and also saw Yuya Okaka blaze over with just the goalkeeper to beat after some poor defending. Inter Miami didn't manage a single shot or corner in the first half and also lost <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/sergio-busquets-floored-horror-tackle-forces-inter-miami-star-out-vissel-kobe-yuya-okaka-not-shown-yellow-card/blt827d6dbe522825c8" target="_blank">Sergio Busquets to injury after a poor challenge</a> from Okaka.Inter Miami finally sparked into life when Tata Marino sent on Lionel Messi after an hour, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/lionel-messi-bench-again-inter-miami-superstar-left-out-starting-xi-vissel-kobe-clash-despite-fierce-backlash/blt6ed346613270c16c" target="_blank">with his every touch being cheered</a>, but still needed a last-ditch tackle from DeAndre Yedlin to deny Jean Patrick, who was clean through on goal. Yet the presence of Messi improved Miami as an attacking force, with the Argentine twice going close in the closing stages, with one of the efforts being hacked off the line. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/why-lionel-messi-didn-t-take-penalty-bizarre-inter-miami-shoot-out-loss-to-vissel-kobe-explained/bltaf58a2bd12d619a8" target="_blank">A bizarre ending to the match after full-time then saw a penalty shoot-out take place, with Messi not even taking a spot-kick in a 4-3 loss</a>.

TELL ME MORE

Messi only played for half an hour but <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-bench-again-inter-miami-superstar-left-out-starting-xi-vissel-kobe-clash-despite-fierce-backlash/blt6ed346613270c16c" target="_blank">his every touch was greeted by cheers from fans</a> who had come out to see the Inter Miami superstar in action and this time weren't disappointed. The Herons didn't manage a single shot on goal in the first half but looked a different side altogether once Messi was on the pitch and pulling the strings. The Argentina international almost won it late on too on his return from injury. He saw an effort saved by goalkeeper Powell Obinna Obi and his follow-up effort was then cleared off the line by some desperate Vissel Kobe defending.

THE MVP

Sergio Busquets' match was cut short <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/sergio-busquets-floored-horror-tackle-forces-inter-miami-star-out-vissel-kobe-yuya-okaka-not-shown-yellow-card/blt827d6dbe522825c8" target="_blank">by a crunching tackle by Yuya Okaka</a> that forced the midfielder off midway through the first half. Inter Miami will have been relieved to see Busquets able to walk off the pitch unaided but now face an anxious wait to see if he will be forced onto the sidelines ahead of the start of the new MLS season.

THE BIG LOSER

Inter Miami will return to the United States now before a final pre-season friendly against <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/2/3/24060689/another-mistake-xavi-reacts-to-very-unfair-red-card-for-vitor-roque-during-barcelonas-win-at-alaves" target="_blank">Newell's Old Boys</a>. The Herons will then prepare for their first MLS game of the season on February 21 against Real Salt Lake.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐

Lionel Messi denied by heroic goal-line clearance as Inter Miami held by Vissel Kobe in friendly clash marred by disgusting tackle on Sergio Busquets | Goal.com

Inter Miami were held to a 0-0 draw by Vissel Kobe in a pre-season friendly as Lionel Messi returned and Sergio Busquets was forced off injured.