Lionel Messi found the net as Inter Miami kicked off their pre-season with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Mexico’s Club América in Las Vegas.
The Argentinian superstar equalized for Miami in the 34th minute, heading in a pinpoint cross from Luis Suárez after Henry Martin had given América an early lead.
América regained their advantage in the 52nd minute when Israel Reyes found the back of the net at the Allegiant Stadium.
New Miami head coach Javier Mascherano made several second-half substitutions, including taking Messi off in the 66th minute.
With América on the verge of victory, Tomas Avilés leveled the score in stoppage time, nodding in a superb inswinging corner from Julian Gressel.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw, leading to a penalty shoot-out, where Inter Miami triumphed 3-2 in sudden death to secure the win.