In a highly anticipated friendly match on Thursday, Lionel Messi, the iconic Inter Miami star and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, returned to his roots as he faced his childhood club, Newell's Old Boys. The encounter, filled with nostalgia and emotion, ended in a 1-1 draw, captivating fans on both sides of the pitch.

Messi, who famously led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, shared a poignant moment with the club he supported and played for from 1995 to 2000, before embarking on his illustrious career with Barcelona. Despite being sidelined by a groin injury, which previously caused him to miss a friendly match in Hong Kong, Messi started the game, showcasing his enduring passion for the sport.

The Argentine legend's presence on the field was met with a wave of admiration from both sets of supporters. As the match progressed, Messi's skill and determination were evident, captivating the audience with every touch of the ball. However, in the 60th minute, Messi was substituted for young American talent Lawson Sunderland, marking the end of his first start for the MLS club in their final pre-season game. The home fans showered Messi with warm ovations, eagerly anticipating his contributions in the upcoming MLS season.

The match remained deadlocked until the 64th minute when Inter Miami seized the lead. Haitian striker Shanyder Borgelin soared above a defender to head in a corner from Finnish midfielder Robert Taylor, electrifying the crowd with their team's breakthrough.

Yet, Newell’s Old Boys refused to be outdone on their home turf. In the 83rd minute, Argentine midfielder Franco Martin Diaz unleashed a powerful shot from the center of the box, finding the bottom right corner of the net and leveling the score, much to the delight of the home supporters.

With the friendly match serving as a fitting tribute to Messi's roots and the global appeal of football, Inter Miami now shifts its focus to the upcoming MLS regular season. Their journey begins with a home fixture against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, as they aim to make a statement in the highly competitive league.

As Lionel Messi continues to etch his name into footballing history, his reunion with Newell's Old Boys serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy and the profound impact he has had on the sport, both domestically and internationally.

Stay tuned as Inter Miami embarks on a new chapter in their quest for success in the MLS, with Messi at the heart of their aspirations.