Messi Appears As Sub In Inter Miami Shootout Defeat

Lionel Messi was named among the Inter Miami substitutes for Wednesday’s preseason game against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo.

Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain came off the bench in the 60th minute and was unable to break a 0-0 deadlock.

It was decided by penalty kicks, with J-League champions Vissel Kobe winning 4-3. Messi, a record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, did not take part in the shootout.

Messi missed his team’s 4-1 win over Hong Kong League XI last week with an adductor injury, prompting the country’s government to express its disappointment.

Messi told reporters on Tuesday that he felt “very good compared to a few days ago,” though he added he wasn’t sure he would be fit enough to play and would assess based on how training went.