MIAMI GARDENS, FL — Lionel Messi could only look down and shake his head in disappointment after the game-tying goal was scored against Inter Miami.
Several minutes later, Messi stood near midfield after the final whistle — shirtless after exchanging his sought-after, game-worn, No. 10 jersey — hoping for a simple moment to himself.
Messi briefly glanced at the jumbotron, and saw opposing fans celebrating in the stands before he was interrupted. He quickly smiled, greeted his opponents like the sportsman he’s renowned to be, and headed to the locker room.
Inter Miami’s match in the FIFA Club World Cup didn’t end the way it should have on Monday, June 23. The club was on the verge of its second historic victory in the last week. They nearly won their group at the tournament, which would have been another landmark accolade in Major League Soccer’s 30-year history — especially for the five-year-old club co-owned by Jorge and Jose Mas, and soon-to-be Sir David Beckham.
Inter Miami jumped out to a 2-0 lead behind goals by Tadeo Allende (16’) and Luis Suarez (65’), but settled for a 2-2 draw against Brazilian side Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium. Paulinho scored in the 80th minute, and Mauricio tied the match in the 87th minute for Palmeiras — the result as disappointing as it was heartbreaking, the night before Messi’s 38th birthday.
