Hong Kong XI - Inter Miami summary: score, stats, highlights, MLS friendly
Hong Kong XI - Inter Miami: As it happened
Inter Miami record first 2024 win with a comfortable victory in Hong Kong.
The Herons' globe-trotting preseason tour got off to an underwhelming start on the pitch. With their cadre of former Barcelona stars playing, they lost three and drew one of their opening four games.
Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets were all absent from the lineup in Hong Kong but a much-changed Miami team recorded their first win of the year against a local select XI.
Miami took the lead with a brilliant Robert Taylor strike, only to be pinned back by Henri Anier before the break. But the visitors took control in the second half as goals from Lawson Sunderland, Leonardo Campana and Ryan Sailor gave them a comfortable lead.
The Hong Kong crowd grew frustrated with the realisation that Messi would not be playing any part but, for Miami boss Tata Martino, a Messi-less victory will give his side fresh confidence going forward.
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Fans at Hong Kong Stadium witnessed Inter Miami's first victory of 2024, but there was audible frustration as it emerged that Lionel Messi would not be making an appearance in the friendly fixture. The stands were packed with 'Messi 10' jerseys - Inter Miami, Argentina, Barcelona - but that famous figure did not appear on the field.
He did, however, take part in an open training session on Saturday that drew huge crowds. Here's what happened when Messi and David Beckham strolled out onto the pitch...
Watch: Leonardo Campana on target for the Herons
The Ecuadorian led the line for Inter Miami in the absence of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. He was a touch peripheral in the first half but had a greater influence after the break, linking the play for Miami.
He got his goal midway through the first half and is now up and running for the year.
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Inter Miami overpower hosts for opening win
They struggled at points in the first half but Inter Miami showed their quality to ease past a Hong Kong Select XI after the break. Goals for Taylor, Sunderland, Campana and Sailor gave Tata Martino's side their first victory of 2024.
Peep peeeeep peeeeeeeep
Full time at Hong Kong Stadium and Inter Miami have their first win of preseason. A comprehensive victory for the travelling Herons.
Jordi Alba brings his team forward on the left and works the ball out to Israel Boatwright. The youngster wins a corner for his team, perhaps the final play of the game.
Shanyder Borgelin shows real quality to hold up a long ball and win a free kick on the halfway line.
There will be a minimum of three minutes of added time at the end of the second half.
Into the final minute now, thee is definitely some frustration among the crowd that Lionel Messi has not made an appearance. But for Inter Miami it has been a much-needed preseason victory to kick-start their 2024 campaign.
Fans are starting to leave.
Inter Miami sense blood here and are looking to add to their tally in the final stages.
Nearly an opportunity for young substitute Borgelin but Hong Kong manage to clear the danger.
That first goal seals Inter Miami's first victory of preseason 2024.
Sailor struggled on the ball in the first half but has looked much more composed after the break and now has his first goal of preseason.
GOOOOAAAL! Ryan Sailor
It's four for Inter Miami, a thunderous header from Sailor! The Herons defender leapt highest and made no mistake.
Jordi Alba lets fly from distance and forces a smart save from Wing Tse. Robert Taylor pounces on the rebound but the Hong Kong goalkeeper does brilliantly to keep the second effort out too.
Interesting to see that Inter Miami has stuck with the back four throughout this game, after playing a 5-3-2 throughout their previous four 2024 preseason fixtures.
Is that a clue to Martino's plans this season? There is certainly an argument to say they look more solid as a four.
There's a triple change for Inter Miami. Gressel, Sunderland and Campana depart.
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There's another round of 'We want Messi' from the Hong Kong but time is running out for the Argentine to make an appearance.
We know that he was suffering from a hamstring injury earlier this week, but Tata Martino had suggested that Messi could feature in Hong Kong.
Gressel has grown in influence in the second half and this surely rates as his best performance since his off-season move to Miami. He's started to drift inside and help build the play through the middle.
Nearly a brilliant goal for Inter Miami!
Julian Gressel swings in a devastating curling cross from the right, placing it right on the head of Leo Campana. The Ecuadorian connest well with the header but his effort goes just over the crossbar.
Hong Kong hoist the ball up to Ibrahim and they play off him well. The hosts have struggled to get into the game in the second half but have managed to make life difficult for Inter Miami.
DeAndre Yedlin makes a good run up the right and wins a throw-in for his side.
He has looked good in this more conventional right back role, not required to act as a constant out-ball for his team.
Foul on Sergio Busquets on the edge of his box.
His arrival has made Miami look a little more assured on the ball, helping the Herons to build possession in central areas.
Gressel bends in a cross to the back post but Taylor can't make a clean connection with the delivery.
Good play from Busquets in the midfield to retain the ball under pressure. He's playing centrally now with Gregore and Sunderland either side of him, playing as two 8s.
The home crowd is becoming more insistent now.
"We want Messi. We want Messi" rings around the stadium.
The game has opened up considerably in the second half, with more space for Inter Miami going forward.
Brilliant play from Robert Taylor on the left to beat his man and fire the ball across goal. Hong Kong manage to get it clear but Miami win a corner kick.
Good work from Campana, pressuring the Hong Kong defence and forcing them to go long. Inter Miami win the ball back and come forward again with Gregore.
Confirmation that Noah Allen and David Ruiz are coming off, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets replace them.
Inter Miami subs watch:
Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are receiving some final instructions on the touchline.
Luis Suarez as just begun his warm-up.
Lionel Messi remains on the bench for now.
As we approach the hour mark there's a huge round of 'Messi, Messi' circulating the stadium. Inter Miami are readying changes, but it doesn't look like the Argentine will be involved just yet.
Hong Kong go close!
Poor defending from Miami to allow Jantscher to run in on goal, forcing a save from CJ dos Santos. Miami were appealing for a offside but it looked as if one member of the Herons' backline was playing him on.
GOOOAAAAAL! Leonardo Campana
The Inter Miami striker has his goal and it's a well deserved one for Campana.
Sunderland slipped him the ball on the penalty spot and the Miami No. 8 slid the ball into the bottom corner.
Brilliant cross-field ball from Gressel to find Taylor in space on the left. He combines well with Sunderland but the youngster is dispossessed on the edge of the box.
Good recovery work from Gregore to stem a Hong Kong counter-attack.
There's a cadre of Inter Miami substitutes warming up beside the pitch, with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba amongst them.
Credit for that goal must go to Leonardo Campana, who showed real clear-mindedness in the box to flick the ball through to Ryan Sailor in space on the left. The Miami defender squared the ball across the face and goal and Sunderland was there to poke it home.
Let's see if Miami can build on this positive start to the second half.
GOOOOAAAAAL! Lawson Sunderland
Inter Miami retake the lead and it's the young midfielder who slots home from close range after some good work from Campana and Sailor.
A nice moment for Lawson Sunderland.
Gressel curls in the corner from the right and Campana tries to connect with a cheeky flick at the front post. It's blocked and Miami win another corner.
There's a bit of space for Inter Miami on the left and they move forward with the ball. Gregore does well to work the ball across to Gressel on the right flank and Miami win a corner kick.
Early half chance for Gil, who swivels on the ball and fires at goal. Dos Santos saves comfortably.
And we're back!
The second half is underway at Hong Kong Stadium.
No changes at the break for Inter Miami, no superstar appearances yet.
Hong Kong, meanwhile, have changed their entire XI at the break.
When will Lionel Messi make an appearance?
Inter Miami opted not to start any of the ex-Barcelona quartet, but they are all expected to feature at some point in Hong Kong. Messi was reportedly suffering a slight hamstring issue earlier this week but Herons boss Tata Martino confirmed on Friday that he expects the Argentine to play in Hong Kong.
It doesn't look like it'll be happening from the break, but expect him to feature at some stage.
Watch: Robert Taylor opens the scoring for Inter Miami
The switch to a 4-3-3 has placed greatest emphasis on the wide players for Inter Miami and Robert Taylor has looked to be the main beneficiary. The Finnish wideman has found plenty of space on the left flank and used it to fashion this beautiful goal with five minutes to go before the break.
His quality was clear in Miami's 2023 Leagues Cup run and he could stake a claim for the starting XI again this year.
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A predictably frustrating/frustratingly predictable first half for Inter Miami. The Herons dominated the ball but failed to fashion many clear openings with the ball and struggled to build out of defence with real purpose.
They did find the breakthrough shortly before the break - a moment of magic from Robert Taylor - but a defensive lapse just minutes later sees them go into the break with the score at 1-1.
They were not helped by an apparent injury to Kryvstov, but it was not convincing from Miami.
Peep peeeep peeeeeep
And that's the half!
This game burst into life with two goals in the space of three first half minutes, leaving the scores tied at the break.
Decent opening for Taylor as the ball is worked back to him on the edge of the box. He scuffs his shot and Yapp saves comfortably.
There will be a minimum of one minute of added time at the end of the first half.
GOOOOAAAAAL! Henri Anier
Hong Kong level the scores!
Miami have the lead for just two minutes before Anier rifles the ball home from a tight angle. All square!
The goal was a rare moment of quality in a fairly pedestrian first half performance from Inter Miami.
Robert Taylor cut inside from the left and curled the ball into the top corner.
GOOOAAAAL! Ryan Taylor
Inter Miami have the breakthrough and it's a stunning, curling effort from Taylor.
The Herons have the lead!
Ryan Sailor wins a free kick on the left flank. he has looked a little shaky since his first half introduction, another sign of Miami's defensive issues.
Sunderland does well in midfield to sweep the ball out to Yedlin on the right.
Nearly an opportunity for the hosts as a ball is played through to Camargo. CJ dos Santos is out quickly to smother the ball but that was too easy for Hong Kong.
Foul on Anier in the center circle, the Hong Kong forward wins a free kick for his side. A chance to ease the pressure.
There's a big collision in the midfield and David Ruiz is left on the turf, holding his right foot. There's a moment of concern for the Miami youngster but it looks like he'll be fine to continue .
Dos Santos lifts a long ball forward towards Campana but Hong Kong regain possession. Campana has looked a little isolated in the past 15 minutes.
Robert Taylor wins a free kick on the left for Miami.
Confirmation that Kryvtsov is coming off, replaced by Sailor.
It looks like Inter Miami might be forced into an early change. Kryvtsov is struggling on the left, Ryan Sailor is being readied on the sideline.
Another long-range effort from Miami, this time it's Leo Campana who stings the palms of Yapp in the hosts' goal.
Yapp does well to punch clear the resultant corner kick.
Gressel has a pop from range but his right-footed effort is dragged wide.
The midfield trio for Inter Miami - Sunderland, Gregore, Ruiz - are getting more involved in the build up now and the Herons are benefiting. They work the ball through the lines to Campana and he nearly fashions an opportunity for himself.
That's the template for Miami!
Halfway through the first half, there hasn't been too much to get excited about for Inter Miami. They have looked better in the wide areas but they have struggled to build confidently from the back.
Gregore is dispossessed in midfield and Mingazow pounces on the opportunity. He looks to curl one from distance but it's just wide of CJ dos Santos' goal.
Inter Miami need to sharpen up when building out from the back.
Big chance for Sunderland!
Top work from Yedlin on the right flank and he pulls the ball back to the youngster. Sunderland gets to it first but can't control his effort and the shot flies over the crossbar.
Another decent opening for the young midfielder.
There's a half chance for Mingazow on the left for Hong Kong but it's well saved by Dos Santos.
Hong Kong break quickly and look to find Henri Anier, running in behind the Herons backline. The big target man can't quite connect with the ball and it bounces through to Dos Santos.
It's Julian Gressel to take and he whips the ball in from the right. It bounces across the box and out for a corner kick to Miami.
Gregore is taken down by Gondra on the edge of the box, winning a foul for Inter Miami around 25 yards from goal. With Messi on the bench, who will take the opportunity to deliver from here?
Neat footwork from DeAndre Yedlin on the right to retain possession.
There's a good atmosphere in Hong Kong Stadium - there are Messi 10 jerseys everywhere but the crowd are clearly eager to see the hosts represented well.
David Ruiz is penalised for a clumsy foul on Camargo in the midfield. Miami will need to be careful of those transitional moments.
Inter Miami are starting to take control of the game now, dominating the possession and building well with Gregore. Henri Anier is the lone attacking option for the hosts and he will have a lot of off-the-ball work to do today.
It's been an exciting opening ten minutes in Hong Kong with both sides going close. Inter Miami have had the better of the play, their 4-3-3 formation getting the best out of their wide players.
And now Inter Miami go close!
There's a powerful breakaway from the Herons and Gregore fires a low shot at goal that smacks the post. Sunderland leaps on the rebound but his shot flies over the crossbar.
So close for the hosts!
Mikhael struck that for at least 30 yards and his effort beats CJ dos Santos and cannons back off the crossbar.
Nearly the lead for Hong Kong!
Hong Kong win a free kick, around 35 yards from goal, fairly central. They may look to shoot form here...
Calls for a Hong Kong foul on the edge of the Miami box but those appeals are waved away by the referee. Inter Miami are back on the ball and look to build through Gregore.
Neat play from Taylor on the left to draw a defender in before releasing Noah Allen on the flank. He whips in a cross from out wide but it's comfortably cleared.
Gressel links up well with Ruiz on the right to get the youngster running forward, he holds the ball up well and Miami win a throw-in on the right flank.
Apologies - slight technical difficulties with our scoreboard, we can confirm that the score is still 0-0.
We'll get that sorted.
Good play from Sunderland on the left to progress his side forward. The Herons look to fashion some space on the edge of the box but the home side manage to snuff out the opportunity.
Some dogged early defending from Gregore, today wearing the captains armband, in the midfield for Miami.
And we're off!
We are underway in the fifth fixture of Inter Miami's packed preseason schedule.
The players are out and we're nearly ready for kickoff!
Inter Miami set to start with a back four
The official Inter Miami team sheet lists today's starting XI in a 4-3-3 formation, a notable change to the system used by Tata Martino so far this preseason. It's a more attacking set-up, but one which should allow the Herons to maintain possession further up the field.
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The teams are out in Hong Kong for today's preseason friendly. There's a jovial atmosphere at Hong Kong Stadium but there is business to be done for Inter Miami.
Kickoff fast approaching in Hong Kong
The Inter Miami players are going through their final on-field preparations ahead of today's friendly fixture against a Hong Kong Select XI. Tata Martino has made a number of changes to the starting XI, with none of Messi, Suarez, Busquets and Jordi Alba featuring from the start.
This will be an opportunity for some more fringe players, such as Lawon Sunderland and robert Taylor, to stake their claim for a regular starting berth.
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'Messi 10' dominates in Hong Kong
He may be starting on the bench, but there's little doubt as to who is the big draw today for supporters in Hong Kong. Lionel Messi jerseys - from Inter Miami, Barcelona and Argentina - are everywhere this morning.
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How will Inter Miami line up?
Without the marauding presence of Jordi Alba on the left flank, it's not entirely clear how Inter Miami will set up in Hong Kong. They have been wedded to the 5-3-2 formation for much of preseason but they may opt to change to a back four today.
Alternatively, Noah Allen could feature as a left wing-back with DeAndre Yedlin playing more centrally and Julian Gressel on the right.
CJ dos Santos starts in goal, in place of Drake Callender.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez on bench for Inter Miami
Here we go! Confirmation that the Herons will start without any of the ex-Barcelona quartet in the starting XI. Leonardo Campana leads the line for Inter Miami, Gregore returns to the midfield and ertakes the captain's armband.
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The Herons have landed
Inter Miami have arrived at Hong Kong Stadium for this friendly fixture against a local Select XI. We're expecting a capacity crowd for today's game, particularly considering the huge crowd that gathered for an open training session yesterday.
Inter Miami will be the heavy favourites today and will be desperate to pick up their first victory of preseason 2024.
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Inter Miami may start without Messi, Suarez
A supposed team sheet for today's game, circulating on social media, suggests that Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba will all start on the bench in Hong Kong.
We are yet to get official confirmation but the Herons may be shifting away from the 5-3-2 formation utilised by Martino over preseason; only four specialist defenders have been named in this apparent starting XI.
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We haven't yet had official team news but reports suggest that Inter Miami's ex-Barcelona quartet are starting on the substitutes' bench.
The South China Morning Post says: "Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are all among the substitutes for today’s game."
We'll look to get confirmation on that as soon as we can, but it would not be a surprise to see Tata Martino ring the changes after a disappointing start to preseason.
Miami supporters travel around the world for Hong Kong clash
The Herons' world tour is designed to help boost the club's visibility outside of the United States, but there are a few Miami locals making the trip to watch the team. Members of the Southern Legion supporters group are on the ground in Hong Kong, soaking up the atmosphere as kickoff approaches in Inter Miami's fifth preseason fixture of 2024.
That is some serious dedication from the Miami contingent!
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We're less than an hour away from kickoff at Hong Kong Stadium as Inter Miami continue their preseason preparations against a Hong Kong Select XI. The Herons' globetrotting world tour has drawn huge attention but the team are yet to capture the imagine on the field.
We'll be bringing you full live text commentary right here, but you can also watch or stream the game. Here's everything you need to know...
Tata Martino on Miami's preseason struggles
"As us coaches always say, you need your team to win, even if it’s preseason... But without a doubt, if you have to pick a time for this to happen and set off an important alarm regarding what’s happening, we prefer for it to happen before the season starts."
"Our expectation is to begin the MLS season the best way possible 20 days from now."
"Undoubtedly the results and the performances from the team in Saudi Arabia weren’t the best, and we hope to improve against Hong Kong."
Watch: Huge crowd in attendance for Inter Miami training
The opportunity to see Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez in the flesh does not come around too often, and soccer fans in Hong Kong have been taking full advantage. The stands of the Hong Kong Stadium were packed for an open training session, with the full Inter Miami squad being put through their paces ahead of today's preseason friendly.
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The fitness and form of Lionel Messi has been one of the main talking points for Inter Miami in the build-up to this morning's game. The Herons' captain has scored just once, a penalty, so far in the preseason fixtures and a slight hamstring injury restricted him to a late cameo against Al-Nassr on Thursday.
Is this the day Messi kick-starts his 2024? We'll find out very shortly...
Inter Miami's preseason tour is yet to really get going, in terms of the on-field performances, at least. Their four fixtures have resulted in one goalless draw and three defeats, one of which was a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Al-Nassr.
Tata Martino has a big job on his hands to bring together this very disparate, very top-heavy Herons squad as the MLS season approaches.
Huge crowds in Hong Kong for Inter Miami
The Herons' results have left a lot to be desired so far, but there is no doubting their incredible popularity and Lionel Messi's enduring draw. On Saturday an open training session packed the Hong Kong Stadium as locals strained to get a glimpse of the star-studded squad in action.
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On Friday Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino was asked about the fitness of Lionel Messi. The Herons boss refused to give a definitive answer but suggested that Messi, who took part in an open training session on Saturday, who be able to play some part in Hong Kong.
“We want Leo [Messi] to play as much as possible,” Martino said. “We will evaluate the players. The hope is that Leo can play the most minutes. We will see in tomorrow’s training but it is likely he will play on Sunday.”
Hoy juega Inter Miami!
They certainly do! The Herons' fifth fixture of preseason 2024 sees them take on a Hong Kong XI, with kick off set for 3am ET / midnight PT.
We should have team news for you fairly soon, with Lionel Messi expected to return to the starting XI after being forced to sit out most of Thursday's defeat to Al-Nassr.
Cargando...
Good morning, coffees at the ready.
Inter Miami continue their globe-trotting world tour today with a friendly fixture against a Hong Kong Select XI, taking on the finest players the special administrative region has to offer.
The big talk ahead of kickoff has been the fitness of Lionel Messi, who was only deemed fit enough to play for the final six minutes against Al-Nassr earlier this week.
I'm Will Gittins, and I'll be bringing you all the action as the Herons continue their search for a first victory of 2024...