Al Hilal vs Inter Miami: Messi, Suarez score but Miami lose in seven-goal thriller

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Al Hilal secured a dramatic victory over Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in the first match of the Riyadh Season Cup on Monday (January 29).

The encounter, which ended 4-3 in favor of the Saudi Pro League team, was part of the American club's extensive pre-season preparations, with the Major League Soccer (MLS) season set to commence on February 21. Inter Miami's star-studded lineup, featuring the likes of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, showcased their prowess despite the narrow defeat.

Suarez notched his first goal for the MLS outfit, while Messi contributed with a spot-kick conversion. However, their efforts were overshadowed by Al Hilal's determined performance which ultimately secured the win.

The match sprung into life when Aleksandar Mitrovic, the ex-Fulham marksman, gave Al Hilal the lead in the 10th minute. Demonstrating clinical precision, Mitrovic capitalized on a deftly executed move to outwit the Miami defence and slot the ball past goalkeeper Drake Callender. Saudi international Abdullah Al-Hamdan quickly doubled Al Hilal's advantage, exploiting a defensive lapse from Miami's Noah Allen.

Despite Sergio Busquets' missed opportunity to reduce the deficit for Miami, the team's persistence paid off in the 34th minute. Jordi Alba's visionary pass enabled Julian Gressel to assist Suarez, who made no mistake in finding the net. Initially ruled offside, the decision was later rectified by VAR, and the goal stood. Al Hilal, however, managed to restore their two-goal cushion shortly before the break, with Michael heading in from an Al-Hamdan cross.

The second half saw a rejuvenated Miami side pulling level through a Messi penalty and a stunning strike from David Ruiz, making it 3-3.

Lionel Messi goal vs Al Hilal

The penalty was awarded under contentious circumstances, as Mohammed Jahfali was deemed to have fouled Ruiz. Al Hilal barely had time to regroup before Ruiz unleashed a powerful shot to even the score.

Despite the match appearing to be headed towards a draw, Malcom's decisive 88th-minute header tipped the balance in favor of Al Hilal, leaving Miami with lessons to ponder ahead of their next friendly. Inter Miami will next face Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, followed by matches in Hong Kong and Japan, as they continue to build momentum for the upcoming MLS season.