Inter Miami played their final friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico and came away with a 2-1 victory. Santiago Morales opened the scoring for the Herons, Patrick Mercado equalized, and in the second half, Lionel Messi converted a penalty to give Miami the lead.
During the first half, Inter Miami were the more active side, despite fielding a largely rotated lineup. Luis Suarez was one of the standout performers, providing multiple key passes to teammates and even coming close to scoring from a free kick.
It was Suarez who set up Santiago Morales for the opener, with the young midfielder dribbling past the goalkeeper and a defender before finishing with composure. However, that lead was short-lived, as Independiente del Valle quickly responded with an equalizer from Patrick Mercado.
After the break, the fans got what they came to see: Lionel Messi entered for the second half and showcased his brilliance. He scored the Herons’ second goal from the penalty spot after a handball in the box. That goal was enough to seal the win in Inter Miami’s final friendly.
Inter Miami defeat Independiente del Valle 2-1
We’ve reached the end of our live blog for the match between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle. Thanks for following along!
Full-time!
Inter Miami defeat Independiente del Valle 2-1.
91’ – Chance for Independiente del Valle! (2-1)
Gonzalez fired a shot, but Falcon cleared it off the line.
88’ – Match delayed (2-1)
Several fans ran onto the field to greet Messi, who ended up on the ground.
87’ – Rios Novo with another great save (2-1)
Inter Miami’s goalkeeper denied a shot from Gonzalez.
83’ – Inter Miami not satisfied with the lead (2-1)
Even with the score in their favor, the Herons are the team showing more attacking intent at the moment.
75’ – Another chance for Messi! (2-1)
The Argentine forward’s free kick is saved by the goalkeeper.
72’ – Substitution for Inter Miami (2-1)
Luis Suarez comes off for Micael.
70’ – GOOOOOALL FOR INTER MIAMI! (2-1)
Lionel Messi converts the penalty.
68’ – Penalty for Inter Miami! (1-1)
The referee awards a spot-kick after a handball in the box.
65’ – Rios Novo keeps Inter Miami in it! (1-1)
The goalkeeper shines with a spectacular double save.
63’ – More substitutions for Inter Miami (1-1)
Ruiz, Mura, and Shaw make way for Telasco Segovia, Noah Allen, and German Berterame.
62’ – Substitutions for Independiente del Valle (1-1)
Zarate, Velasco, Espinoza, Cortez, Mendez, Gonzalez, Ochoa, Vernaza, and Lerma have come on.
57’ – The Herons control possession (1-1)
Inter Miami are keeping the ball but are struggling to find space to create clear chances in front of goal.
50’ – First chance created by Messi (1-1)
Leo set up Allende, whose shot went wide.
46’ – Other substitutions for Inter Miami (1-1)
Maximiliano Falcon, Rodrigo De Paul, and Tadeo Allende also come on for Fray, Bright and Morales.
46’ – First substitution for Inter Miami (1-1)
Lionel Messi comes on for Daniel Pinter.
Second half underway!
Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle remain tied 1-1.
Halftime
Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle are tied 1-1.
43’ – Substitution for Independiente del Valle (1-1)
Goalkeeper Villar leaves injured, with Miguel Peralta coming on as his replacement.
40’ – Suarez comes close! (1-1)
The Uruguayan took a free kick that was saved by goalkeeper Villar.
37’ – Yellow card for Perello (1-1)
The Independiente del Valle forward receives a booking.
33’ – The Herons close in on goal (1-1)
Suarez set up Pinter, who finished with a delicate shot that went just wide.
27’ – Another chance for the Ecuadorian side (1-1)
Pata fired a shot that went just over the crossbar.
22’ – Independiente del Valle close (1-1)
A corner from Sornoza headed toward goal, and Rios Novo had to make the save.
17’ – GOOOOAAAAL FOR INDEPENDIENTE DEL VALLE! (1-1)
Mercado scores the equalizer off an assist from Perello.
16’ – GOOOOAAAAL FOR INTER MIAMI! (1-0)
Santiago Morales scores a stunning goal off an assist from Luis Suarez.
15’ – First yellow card (0-0)
Yannick Bright is shown the first yellow card of the match for Inter Miami.
10’ – Independiente del Valle escape! (0-0)
After a pass from Suarez, Morales came close to opening the scoring with an acrobatic effort that struck the post.
5’ – First chance for Inter Miami
Yannick Bright fired a shot just wide after finding himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Villar.
Kickoff!
Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle are underway in Puerto Rico.
Match about to begin
The teams are set to take the field after a delay of more than 40 minutes.
Inter Miami’s jersey for tonight
Against Independiente del Valle, the Herons will wear their second kit.
Kickoff delayed
Due to the large number of fans still outside the stadium waiting to enter, the match between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle will begin 30 minutes later than scheduled, with kickoff now set for 7:30 PM ET.
Inter Miami confirmed lineup
Coach Javier Mascherano has selected the following XI: Rocco Rios Novo; Facundo Mura, Gonzalo Lujan, Ian Fray, Abadia; David Ruiz, Yannick Bright, Shaw, Morales; Luis Suarez, Pinter. Lionel Messi is on the bench.
When will Inter Miami play next?
After this friendly against Independiente del Valle, the Herons will return to the United States to prepare for their next Major League Soccer match. On Sunday, they will face Orlando City in the Florida derby at Inter&Co Stadium.
Stadium for tonight’s match
Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle will face off this Thursday at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The venue, inaugurated in 1974 and renovated in 2003 and 2012, has a capacity of 24,000 spectators. It is the home of Bayamon FC of the Liga Puerto Rico.
Kickoff time
The friendly between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle kicks off at 7:00 PM ET.
Independiente del Valle confirmed lineup
The Ecuadorian side will start with this XI: Guido Villar; Daykol Romero, Juan Viacava, Jordy Alcivar, Mateo Carabajal; Patrik Mercado, Layan Loor, Junior Sornoza; Djorkaeff Reasco, Matias Perello, Emerson Pata.
Inter Miami face Independiente del Valle
Welcome to our live blog for the friendly match this Thursday between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle. Stay with us for the most important information about both teams, and once the game kicks off, for minute-by-minute updates!
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