Inter Miami and Lionel Messi are keen on revenge against Al-Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo after a humiliating 6-0 defeat during their 2024 pre-season programme, as reported by GOAL. The loss did not dampen their spirits and Julian Gressel expressed the team’s desire for more face-offs, especially with the prospect of Messi and Ronaldo playing against each other.
In the opening encounter, Cristiano Ronaldo had to withdraw through injury and Lionel Messi was introduced as a late substitute, giving them only limited involvement. Despite the tough defeat, Gressel highlighted the early stage of Inter Miami’s preparation and pointed out that they are still together as a team in week three after a long break. He emphasized the team’s competitive spirit, saying: “I think we’d like to have a rematch at some point. That’s the competitor in me, maybe in an official competition like the Club World Cup.”
We look forward to seeing Inter Miami travel to the Middle East for more challenges, including meetings with Hong Kong Select XI and Japanese side Vissel Kobe. The team is preparing for the 2024 MLS campaign, with their opening match against Real Salt Lake scheduled for February 21.
Julian Gressel on Al Nassr rematch
Inter Miami has had a difficult pre-season, suffering three defeats in four friendlies. However, Gressel played down the significance of the preseason results and focused on the valuable lessons learned and the team’s growth potential. He stressed the importance of preparation for the upcoming season and acknowledged the difference in the nature of these games compared to traditional preseason matches.
The former Atlanta United player said in the mix zone that the team would “like to have a rematch” before comparing where the two teams are in their respective seasons: “I don’t think it’s comparable,” Gressel said. “We’re very early in the process, only week three of being together as a team after a long couple of months off.
“So you can’t really compare. I think we’d like to have a rematch at some point. That’s the competitor in me, maybe in an official competition like the Club World Cup.”
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