Messi scoreless, Inter Miami wins 3-1 in Panama with goals by Cremaschi, Allende, Picault
Inter Miami remained unbeaten in its first three games under new coach Javier Mascherano with a 3-1 preseason victory over Sporting San Miguelito in Panama on Sunday night.
Lionel Messi played 77 minutes, more than he had played in the first two preseason matches, but did not score. Nevertheless, he delighted his fans in Panama City, who gave him a big ovation when he exited the field.
Miami’s three goals were scored by Key Biscayne teenager Benja Cremaschi, newly signed Argentine winger Tadeo Allende, and Haitian American Fafa Picault, who grew up in Cutler Bay and joined Inter Miami from the Vancouver Whitecaps this off-season.
Cremaschi, who was in the starting lineup, got Miami on the scoreboard just before halftime. Marcelo Weigandt had the assist. Allende, the 25-year-old on loan from Spanish club Celta de Vigo, scored with his left foot in the 48th minute on an assist by Luis Suarez. Picault, who came off the bench, scored the third from close range at the 64-minute mark with an assist by Little Havana native David Ruiz.
“The people were very warm, it was a nice atmosphere, and the game was difficult, they were a tough rival,” Allende said. “This game serves us well to help us correct mistakes and get to know each other, as there are several new players. Our club aims to win and we have a lot of work still to do.”
Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets played the full 90 minutes. The rest of the Miami starting lineup was Oscar Ustari, Marcelo Weigandt, Toto Aviles, Noah Allen, and Yannick Bright. Santi Morales, Julian Gressel, Ian Fray and Robert Taylor got minutes off the bench.
Midfielder Fede Redondo had a muscle strain and did not make the trip.
The team was scheduled to fly back to Fort Lauderdale Sunday night and will train at home all week in preparation for a game in Honduras Saturday against Olimpia.
This story was originally published February 2, 2025 at 7:17 PM.