Vissel Kobe - Inter Miami summary online: stats, scores and highlights, MLS Friendly
Vissel Kobe - Inter Miami: Live blog
Inter Miami end their globe-trotting preseason tour with a penalty shoot-out defeat against Japanese champions Vissel Kobe.
The Herons named a strong starting XI with one notable ommission; Lionel Messi began on the bench as he looks to recover from an adductor issue. Vissel Kobe came closest to a breakthrough in the first half but some smart saves from Drake Callender kept things level.
The atmosphere changed on the hourmark when Messi was introduced for the Herons and began to dictate the game. He added real thrust to the attack and looked certain to break the deadlock midway through the second half, but his close-range effort was saved well by Shota Arai.
Luis Suarez came close with a second half bicycle kick but the game ended goalless and went to a penalty shootout. Some more top saves from Arai ensured a 4-3 shootout victory for the hosts.
Inter Miami fall to penalty shoot-out defeat
After 90 goalless minutes at the Japanese National Stadium the game was decided by a penalty shootout, which the hosts won. For both sides the result will be of little importance but the nature of the performance will be.
For Miami, it is tepmted to conclude that we have learnt little. The Herons looked tidy in possession but defensively 'get-at-able', and lacked a real cutting edge to forge any chances in the opening hour.
That changed on the hourmark with the introduction of Lionel Messi, who immediately offered the thrust and the incision that Miami had been lacking.
"It was fun to play, fun to be here in Tokyo. It's a great city and we got to see it a bit, so we're greatful for the opportunity."
"They're a very good team, you can see why they won the league. They have a lot of very quick, very dynamic attacking players."
Vissel Kobe come out on to at the end of this preseason friendly, triumphing on penalties thanks to some top goalkeeping from Shota Arai!
Lionel Messi opted against taking a penalty kick in the shoot-out, an omission that frustrated the home support. But, nevertheless, it was a fun end to an entertaining game.
And Gregore's effort is saved! Vissel Kobe win on penalties!
Young Noah Allen steps up and his kick is saved! We go on into sudden death!
Robert Taylor's weak penalty is saved but he is told to retake it after the keeper moved too early.
He steps up again and fires over! We're all square afte eight spot kicks.
Cool as you like, Jordi Alba strokes the ball home to give his side the advantage.
First miss of the shoot-out, Kobe captain Yamaguchi fires over the bar!
An even better one from Gressel, who hits the underside of the crossbar!
Leonardo Campana makes no mistake, sending Obinna the wrong way.
Yep, it's a penlaty shoot-out!
Vissel Kobe go first, it's Osako to take...
Judging on Gregore's gesticulations to his Inter Miami teammates, it looks like we're having a penalty shoot-out to decide today's winner.
We're not entirely sure what's happening now, but there is a coin toss in the center circle between the two captains.
Penalty shoot-out? Extra time? We'll find out shortly...
Peeeep peeeeep peeeeeep
Full time in Tokyo, where Vissel Kobe and Inter Miami have played out a goalless draw.
There were chances for both sides, but both goalkeepers made impressive saves to keep the score level.
Kobe clear and launch a counter attack. The ball is whipped in from the left and nearly creats a late chance, but the ball lands comfortably in the hands of Callender.
Good work from Yedlin wins a throw-in from his side on the irght. This could be a final chace for Miami...
Quality delivery from Gressel but Kobe fend it off.
Sensational reverse pass from Messi finds Jordi Alba in space behind the backline, but his attempted cross is blocked.
Miami win a corner.
There will be three additional minutes.
Another long ball to Campana sees Miami lose the ball, Viseel Kobe come back on the attack and nearly force an opening. Callender does well to claim the ball.
Callender claims the ball well from a cross and punts the ball long towards Gressel. The ball is worked out to Messi on the right.
Inter Miami building a little momentum in the final moments.
As a side note, Miami's midfield duo (Gressel and Bright) look severely overworked, and dangerously underprotected.
I would be deeply surprised to see Tata Martino stick with this system in competitive games.
There's openings for both sides in the final stages as the game becomes increasingly stretched. There is so much space in the middle of the park and Messi is finding the ball in dangerous areas.
Kobe are sprinting clear on the break but Noah Allen does brilliantly to get back and stop the advance, winning a free kick for his team.
So close, Vissel Kobe!
The hosts whip in a dangerous free kick from the left but the resultant header bounces just wide of the post. Callender was beaten.
There a crossing opportunity for Osako on the left but his scuffs his delivery out for a goal kick.
Into the final ten minutes now, the game is there for both teams to win. Can anyone find the breakthrough?
Messi misses one-on-one!
That was the chance Miami had been waiting for and exactly the man they would want it to fall to. A loose ball bounces into his pasth and he ran in on goal, forcing a sharp save from Obinna, flying to his right.
The rebound fell to Messi, too, but it was cleared off the line.
The score, somehow, remains 0-0.
Kobe come forward again and Osako does brilliantly to work the ball out to the right. Sailor is back to clear the initital header but Kobe push forward again, this time drawing a recovery header from Yedlin.
Brilliant footwork from Messi in the midfield to evade the attention of Yamaguchi. His neat turn and glide draws huge cheers from the crowd.
During the Leagues Cup 2023 run, Lionel Messi formed an effevctive partnership with Leonardo Campana.
We haven't seen much of the duo in preseason, but they are reunited for the final 15 minutes.
There's a double change for Miami as Luis Suarez and Tomas Aviles are withdrawn.
Ryan Sailor and Leonardo Campana enter the fray.
More good work from Messi to win a corner kick.
The ball is worked in towards Luis Suarez, who's bicycle kick flies just wide of the top corner. Nearly a sensational strike from the Uruguayan.
Another opportunity for the hosts and Osako clips the ball through to Ide in the box. The midfielder races onto the ball but can't get a clean strike at goal.
On furthe inspection, it looks like Miami are sticking with the back four that they played in the first half. Taylor, Gressel, Bright and Gregore are playing as a midfield four, with Lionel Messi in a free role behind Luis Suarez.
Vissel Kobe have a free kick on the left and look to deliver into the box.
Kyo wins the header but it's deflected out for a corner kick to the hosts.
Messi has immediately taken over this game. The Miami forward is playing in a free, vaguely central role and is pulling the strings, looking to probe through the Kobe defence.
He skips through challenges on the edge of the box with a barely distinguishable shuffle of the feet, nearly setting Yedlin into space.
Another chance for Vissel Kobe!
This time it's a breakaway opportunity for Patric, who is in on goal with just Callender to beat. And then - suddenly - Yedlin is on his back and recovers to make a brilliant sliding tackle.
Top work from yedlin.
It looks like Inter Miami will revert to 3-5-2, with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez forming a striking partnership. Yedlin shifts back into the back three.
Immediately, with the arrival of Lionel Messi, there is a real buzz about the stadium.
His first involvement sends Miami sweeping forward on the left, forging a good crossing opportunity for Jordi Alba. The chance is blocked, but Messi is making a positive start.
Lionel Messi enters the action!
David Ruiz is off, Messi is on.
The cheer is for Lionel Messi, who has risen from the substitutes bench, ready to enter.
Vissel Kobe come close with two chances in quick succession, the first of which drew a shape save from Drake Callender.
The hosts may have missed their chance to take the lead, but there is a huge roar amongst the home supporters...
Just as I type that, Taylor tries an elaborate flick toward Suarez but the ball is easily recovered by Kobe. Miami win it back and feed the ball to Gressel, who quickly loses it again with a loose touch on the edge of the box.
That passage of play really is symptomatic of their struggles today.
One of the big disappointments so far for Inter Miami will be the lack of invovlement for their two widemen - Julian Gressel and Robert Taylor.
Both are talented and their ability to deliver the ball will be key to getting the most out of Luis Suarez, but they have barely had a touch in offensive areas.
Sharp interplay from kobe on the right, working the ball out of a tight area. The hosts have looked good in possession but have lacked a bit of directness, some real cutting edge.
David Ruiz does brilliantly to snake his way down the left wing for Miami, but just as he skips clear of a third challenge he is penalised for a foul.
On second viewing, the Miami youngster was perhaps a little eager in his pursuit of the ball.
Gressel looks to be in space on the right by Honda gets across well to clear the danger, Inter Miami win a throw-in on the right flank.
Kobe curl in another cross, this time toward Patric in the middle. He can't quite bring the ball down and Miami get it clear again.
Briliant flick from Osako in the middle to get Kobe flying forward on the break. the ball is worked to Yamaguchi on the edge of the box and his fierce volley is blocked well by the Miami defence.
Osako is the one making things happen for the hosts.
Good defending from Bright to make a recovering header for Miami. The Herons regain possession and come forward through Gressel.
Back on the field, Ide does well to block a crorssfield pass out to Yedlin on the right.
Inter Miami look to be making a concerted effort to try those long switches of play more in the second half, helping them to move the opposition defence around.
The game gets off to an uneventful start but there is a huge cheers as the crowd notived a dimutive figure begin his warm up among the Inter Miami substitutes.
It looks like we will see Lionel Messi today after all.
We're underway for the second half!
The action resumes at the Japanese National Stadium.
The hosts are out for the second half and are now joined by Inter Miami on the field.
It doesn't look like the herons are making any changes at the break, no Lionel Messi introduction just yet.
A pounding EDM version of Bon Jovi's 'Living on a Prayer' echoes around the Japanese National Stadium at the break.
'We're halfway there, living on a prayer' will certianly be the sentiment of many Inter Miami supporters after their team came close to conceding on three occasions in the opening 45.
So, what is there to say about that 45 minutes of action?
In short, not a huge amount. The biggest moment for Inter Miami may well have been the injury sustained by Sergio Busquets in the middle of the half, forced off the pitch after reciving a boot to the ankle from Yuya Osako.
There were opportunities for the hosts, most notably two early shots in quick succession that hit the woodwork. Miami regained a bit of control as the half wore on but in the final moments Osako had a golden chance to but his side ahead. He fired over from close range.
Peeep peeeep peeeeep
Nope, they can't. After a brief bit of penalty box pinball the ball is cleared and the referee's whistle is blown.
All square at the break.
One last spell of pressure from Inter Miami, can they find the breakthrough?
Vissel kobe should be ahead!
Sloppy passing in the Miami defence is pounced upon by the hosts and the ball is worked through to Osako. The 2023 top scorer is one-on-one with Callender but he lifts his effort over the crossbar.
That's a real let-off for the Herons.
There will be two minutes of added time at the end of the first half.
We're into the final second of the first half now, it doesn't look like there will be much in the way of added time.
Inter Miami come forward on the left...
Jordi Alba is back on the field and Inter Miami are back to their full compliment.
Huge cheers from the crowd as Lionel Messi gets off the bench and jogs purposefully to the locker room, followed close behind by the omnipresent bodyguard.
With just minutes to go until the break, is Messi preparing for an immediate introduction. We will have to wait and see...
There's more misfortune for Inter Miami as Jordi Alba goes down after receiving a boot on the ankle. He should be fine to continue but he's off the field now, receiving treatment.
Good work from Hatsuse on the left to get to the touchline and cross the ball. Aviles defends well at the back post and Taylor sweeps the ball clear.
A long ball forwards form Inter Miami is headed backwards by Sakai and it looks, for a moment, that Luis Suarez has a run on goal. Obinna is out sharply though and stems the danger.
After an early flurry of chances for the hosts the game has lost it's spark in the past 15 minutes, with neither side finding much real rhythm.
Good defending from Yedlin to sto pthe marauding Patric on the left. Aviles has the chance to cleared but scuffs his effot and it ends up in the stands.
Solid spell of possession for Vissel Kobe is ended by a hopeless punt forward from Obinna in the hosts' goal, which flies out for a thorw-in to Inter Miami.
Ohgihara leaves a little on Gregore in the middle of the pitch, winning a foul for Miami.
Sharp footwork from Sakai on the right to make some room for himself. The ball is fired across to Jean Patric on the left and he collides with Yedlin.
The fullback goes down in pain, but will be fit to continue.
What was the Sergio Busquets injury?
Difficult to say, it was the result of a slightly mistimed tackle in midfield, with the player's boot stamping down on Busquets' ankle/lower shin.
The Spaniard was able to walk form the field, but it will be a concern for Miami.
Finally there's some space for Robert Taylor to move into after a sharp counter attack form Miami. The Finnish forward charges towards goal and lets fly from the edge of the box but his effort goes well over the bar.
First sign of intent from Taylor.
Lionel Messi appears on the big screen in the stadium and draws huge cheers from the crowd.
When will he make an appearance? Will he make an appearance?
Yannick Bright has slotted into Busquets' role as the deepest midfielder, looking to dictate the play.
Miami fire the ball forward to Suarez and his neat touch looks to bring Ruiz into play, but the youngster can't quite control the ball.
The hosts regain possession.
Vissel Kobe win the first ball from the resultant corner but it bounces harmlessly out of play.
Powerful run from Hatsuse at left back, working the ball out to Sasaki on the opposing wing. The hosts push forward and win a corner from the left.
Confirmation of that Inter Miami change, Yannick Bright comes on the replace Sergio Busquets.
With Vissel kobe in possession Tomas Viles goes down with a convenient 'injury', allowing the game to be stopped and Inter Miami to make that Busquets substitution.
Aviles, of course, is fine to continue.
Yamaguchi slips away from Ruiz in the middle and sprays the ball out wide.
Inter Miami just need to keep it tight until they can make a change.
back on the field, Vissel Kobe enjoy a spell of good possession and look to exploit ten-man Miami.
Osako tries to feed the ball through to Sasaki but the pass is well intercepted.
Yep, Sergio Busquets trudges down the tunnel and will play no further part. Inter Miami change incoming.
The game restarts with Inter Miami temporarily down to ten men.
Busquets was able to walk off the field, but a Miami substitution is being readied.
It doesn't look good for Busquets, who was the subject of a mistimed tackle in midfield. He sustained a boot to the upper ankle and looks like he may be withdrawn here.
Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami)
There's concern for Inter Miami as Sergio Busquets stays down after a late tackle in the midfield. The Miami medical staff are on-field to check him out.
Better play from Inter miami now as the visitors manage to keep the ball, cooling things down. The Herons' midfield trio looks goodin possession but there are still too many gaps without the ball.
Another one!
The hosts hit the woodwork again as Osako's neat flick from a cross bounces off the post.
The Herons need to get a grip of the game here.
So close for Vissel Kobe!
The hosts nearly break the deadlock after a flowing move down the right, squaring the ball to Osako and forcing a brilliant diving save form Callender. The Miami man tips the ball onto the post and the Herons survive.
The hosts are statrting to find gaps in thre Miami midfield now, with Yaya Osako dropping deep to link the play.
First clear opening of the game falls to Vissel Kobe. A cross from the left bounces out to the edge of the box and the on-rushing Sakai lashes a volley high over the bar.
The fullback should have done better there.
First chorus of 'Messi, Messi' fro mthe crowd, who will obviously be eager to see the World Cup winner take to the field.
Luis Suarez flings his arms up in frustration after being crunched by Ide in the midfield. That won't be the last time we see that from Suarez, who has very exactly standards for himself and his team.
The defensive partnership of Allen and Avile is very inexperienced but they are confident in possession.
Good work from Allen to dispossess Saski on the left flank.
Good spell of pressinbg from Yuya Osako nearly wins the ball off Busquets, but the Spaniard squeezes the ball through to Gressel on the right.
After an early opportunity for the hosts, Miami have looked composed on theball in this new shape. They are building up confidently and allowing Busquets to dictate the play from deep.
Good stuff from Miami.
Good work on the right form Suarez and Gressel, combining to whip a ball into the box. Taylor looks to connect at the back post but the ball is cleared to safety.
Inter Miami are, indeed, going with a back four for today's game. Sergio Busquets is playing at the base of a midfield three, with Luis Suarez leading the line up front.
No Lionel Messi from the start.
More good play from the hosts who build well down the right and square the ball into the box. Drake Callender gets down smartly to smother the ball.
The attendance in Tokyo looks far below organisers' expectations and there's the feeling of a preseaosn fixture.
Vissel Kobe are on the offensive from the off, winning a free kick on the left flank. The ball bounces around in the box before being punted harmlessly over the bar.
Goal kick to Miami.
And we're off!
Inter Miami get us underway at the Japanese National Stadium...
The players are lining up and we're nearly ready for kickoff now. There's a hush around the stadium as Inter Miami prepare to get us started...
Andres Iniesta makes an appearance!
Of course, the ex-Barcleona contingent has been added to with the appearance of Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta. The former Barça star played for Vissel Kobe for five years after laving Camp Nou, only departing in 2023.
he says a few words to the gathered crwod and performs a ceremonial kick-in ahead of the game.
Vissel Kobe look to build on 2023 success
For the first time in team history, Vissel Kobe were crowned J-League champions in 2023. The Japanese club are gearing up for the Japanese Super Cup next week and will be looking to prove themselves against an Inter Miami side that have struggled for form in the preseason so far.
And the teams are out!
To the sound of soaring orchestrial music - potentially the soundtrack to the Pirates of the Carribbean franchise - Vissel Kobe and Inter Miami enter the field at the Japanese National Stadium.
The stands are packed with fans eager to get a glimpse of the globe-trotting Herons, and, hopefully, Lionel Messi.
Kickoff is fast approaching in Tokyo and a light show is building the atmosphere for today's clash.
Inter Miami have named a very strong team for the game, with Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and recent signing Julian Gressel playing from the start. The only absence for the Herons is Lionel Messi, who is only fit enough for a place on the bench.
Vissel Kobe out for Inter Miami test
The hosts enter the field at the Japanese National Stadium, where they will take on the Herons in a preseason friendly. The Japanese side are reiging national champions and boast a number of international stars, most notably top scorer Yuya Osako.
This looks set to be Inter Miami's toughest game of preseason and they will have to contend with a fervent atmosphere at the 68,000-capacity venue.
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Luis Suarez returns to the Inter Miami starting XI today as he looks to build form ahead of the new season. The Uruguayan starred in Brazil last year for Gremio, lifting the Serie A title and proving himself to be one of the most lethal forwards on the continent.
However, now aged 37, he needs some time to find his feet in Miami and has looked frustrated at times over the preseason. He is starting as the lone striker today with two excellent crossers - Julian Jressel and Robert Taylor - either side of him.
This could be the game that El Pistolero finds his shooting boots for the Herons.
Why isn't Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami?
Niggling injuries are hardly unheard of in preseason, but the fitness, or lack of, of one Inter Miami player has been the talk of the tour for the Herons. Lionel Messi played just six minutes across two fixtures against Al-Nassr and a Hong Kong XI.
Today, with Miami taking on Vissel Kobe, the World Cup-winner is again among the substitutes. So what's the problem?
“In the second half [in Saudi Arabia], I played the minutes I did in order to test myself and see how I felt," Messi explained. "It was bad luck that I couldn’t be there, I felt a niggle in my adductor in Saudi Arabia. The scan showed swelling, but not an injury.”
“If I’m honest, I don’t know if I’ll be able to or not, but I feel much better and I’m very keen to be able to play," he said, ahead of the Vissel Kobe game.
Messi on the bench for new-look Inter Miami
Here's the official confirmation of the Inter Miami lineup to take on Vissel Kobe, with a new formation for the travelling Herons. The first four games of preseason for Tata Martino opt for a 5-3-2 formation, one which was designed to offer greater defensive stability but left them with fewer attacking option.
After a 4-1 victory against Hong Kong XI the Herons boss looks set to stick with that formation, fielding Luis Suarez as a lone striker with Julian Gressel and Robert Taylor on the flanks.
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In two weeks - yes, just two weeks - Inter Miami will kickoff the 2024 MLS campaign with their season opener against Real Salt Lake. With just a fortnight left to prepare the Herons are looking for major improvement in the final preseason fixtures, and that effort starts today against Vissel Kobe.
We'll be following all the action from Tokyo right here with full text commentary, but you can also choose to watch or stream the game online. Here's everything you need to know to follow along...
Preparations underway for Inter Miami
The final overseas leg of the 2024 Inter Miami preseason tour gets underway in little over half an hour. The Herons are looking to end the tour with back-to-back victories but face a tough opposition in Tokyo.
Vissel Kobe are the reigning Japanese champions and boast a number of internationals in their ranks. Most notably, top scorer and 20218 Japanese Player of the Year Yuya Osako starts for the hosts.
Inter Miami team news, Suarez starts but no Messi
It looks like Herons head coach Tata Martino is sticking with the 4-3-3 formation that earnt Miami their first win of the year against Hong Kong Last weekend.
Jordi Alba starts at left-back, in a defence quartet alongside Noah Allen, Tomas Aviles and DeAndre Yedlin. The midfield sees Gregore and David Ruiz flanking Sergio Busquets.
Up front it's Luis Suarez leading the line, Julian Gressel and Robert Taylor will provide the width.
Lionel Messi on the bench for Inter Miami, local media reports
We haven't yet had official comfirmation but reports in Jpan suggest that Lionel Messi will start on the bench against Vissel Kobe. However, after the Argentine completed a training session yesterday, he looks likely to feature at some point.
Is Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami?
At this stage, with less than an hour to go until kickoff at the Japan National Stadium, we are yet to receive word on the Inter Miami lineup. However, Lionel Messi is certainly in attendance in Tokyo and looks happy and relaxed as he strolled into the stadium alongside long-time buddy Luis Suarez.
Eagle-eyed Messi-watchers will also notice hiscup of maté, the strong-tasting beverage favoured by Messi and his compatriots. It's his pre-game drink of choice; does that mean the Miami captain is in line to start?
We'll find out very soon...
Fans gather to see Inter Miami and Messi in Tokyo
The on-field performance have been found lacking, but there is no doubting the incredible attention garnered by Inter Miami during this historic preseason tour. The Herons have drawn sell-out crowds in El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and, almost certainly, in Japan.
Head coach Tata Martino is keeping positive about the team's progression, but he admitted earlier this week that major improvement is needed if they are to achieve their goals for 2024.
"As us coaches always say, you need your team to win, even if it’s preseason," he said. "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."
Vissel Kobe lineup for Inter Miami test
Here's how the hosts line up today! Head coach Takayuki Yoshida has named a strong team for this friendly fixture, clearly looking to cause problems for this 'work-in-process' Miami side.
Top scorer Yuya Osako starts up top for Vissel Kobe. The former Japanese Player of the year scored 24 goals for the team in 2023 as they lifted the Japanese championship. Club captain Hotaru Yamaguchi has made 48 appearances for the Japanese national side.
Lionel Messi's injury-enforced absence for Inter Miami's fixture against a Hong Kong Select XI has landed the Herons in hot water, with local officials threatening to withhold part of the agreed payment for the friendly.
The Argentine had an adductor issue that prevented him taking part in the game, despite featuring in an open training session the day before. The Miami captain gives relatively few media appearances, very few considering the enormous clamour for his presence, but he spoke to the press earlier this week to explain his controversial absence. Here's what he had to say...
Inter Miami's preseaosn tour has been a commercial success for the MLS side, drawing supporters from new markets as they look to establish themselves as a major brand. Lionel Messi and co. have drawn attention wherever they go, but the Herons have not yet convinced on the pitch.
They were winless in their opening four fixtures, playing the 5-3-2 formation that Tata Martino seems to favour. Thsat all changed in Hong Kong last weekend when the Miami boss switched to 4-3-3, leaving the four former Barcelona players out of the starting XI.
The Herons picked up a 4-1 victory in Hong Kong but it remains to be seen if he will stick with that formation. We'll find out very shortly...
Herons land in Tokyo
Inter Miami's extensive preseason tour makes it's final overseas stop today, in Tokyo, Japan. The Herons take on Japanese champions Vissel Kobe, who are in preparation for the Japanese Super Cup final next week.
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Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba; all of those illustrious names were absent for Inter Miami as the Herons secured their first victory of preseason, a 4-1 win over a Hong Kong Select XI.
After resting last Sunday you would assume that those who are fit will return to the starting XI in Japan, as Miami look to gear up for their first fixture of the MLS season. They take on Real Salt Lake in the 2024 season opener in two weeks.
WATCH: Lionel Messi completes Japan training session
The Inter Miami captain was back on the practice field ahead of today's friendly fixture against Vissel Kobe. Messi's fitness has been a concern for Herons head coach Tata Martino over the preseason, with the Argentine suffering an adductor issue in recent days.
Good news for Miami fans, though, he looks to have shaken off whatever kept him out of the Hong Kong game.
Team news is expected shortly...
Will Lionel Messi play against Vissel Kobe?
With little over an hour to go until kickoff, we're epxected team news from the Japan National Stadim very shortly. The key topic of dicussion ahead of today's game is the fitness of Lionel Messi, and whether the Inter Miami captain will be able to feature against Vissel Kobe.
Here, in his own (translated) words, Messi explains the situation surrounding his absence for the Hong Kong fixture last weekend.
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This preseason extravaganza was intended to help boost Inter Miami's commercial pull and build on the incredible attention that the signing of Lionel Messi has brought to the league. The Herons have packed out stadiums overseas, but the lack of Messi in the recent game in Hong Kong may have left them in hot water.
Local authorities had forked out a considerable amount of money to facilitate the friendly fixture but Messi, the undisputed star of the show, was not fit enough to make an appearance. Now, Hong Kong officials are reportedly considering withholding part of the agreed payment.
Inter Miami arrive in Japan
The Herons' globe-trotting preseason tour has taken them to El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and finally to Japan. The eyes of the world have been fixed on Inter Miami as they prepare for their tilt at the MLS in 2024.
But for all the attention that they have garnered, the on-field results have not been particularly attractive. A 4-1 victory against a Hong kong Select XI, with Messi and Suarez unavailable, was their sole win to date.
They will be hoping to end the overseas section of the tour with another win this morning.
The final leg of Inter Miami's magical preseason tour takes them to Japan, where they take on national champions Vissel Kobe.
After missing their most recent fixture Lionel Messi's injury status is still a question mark, but the Herons are expected to field a stronger team than they did in the previous fixture against Hong Kong XI.
Also in attendance, although not on the field, will be former Barcelona star Andres Iniesta. The Spaniard spent five years with the Japanese side before leaving last year.
We'll bring you full team news as soon as we have it. Away we go...