Inter Miami’s difficult preseason has finally reached its finale, as the Herons host Newell’s Old Boys on Thursday at DRK PNK Stadium.
The club has experienced injuries to key players, a showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo that didn’t materialize, and angry fans in Hong Kong and China.
All the while, Miami has won just one of six matches so far. That leaves the club in dire need of some positive vibes heading into next week’s MLS opener against Real Salt Lake.
Watch Inter Miami vs. Newell’s Old Boys
The match against Newell’s will carry special meaning for Messi and head coach Tata Martino.
Both are natives of Rosario, the city Newell’s calls home, and both played for the six-time Argentine champions as youngsters. Messi would famously depart for Barcelona in 2000 before making a first-team appearance, while Martino played nearly 500 games for Old Boys and managed the club in the 2012-13 season.
Though Messi has struggled with a muscle injury during the preseason, Martino has said he will start on Thursday. Sergio Busquets is likely to miss out, however, as he battles an ankle injury.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.
Inter Miami vs. Newell’s Old Boys (preseason friendly)
When: Thursday, Feb. 15
Where: DRV PNK Stadium (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Channel/streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (WATCH LIVE)
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