Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez Fail To Save Inter Miami in Collapse Vs. Saudi Arabia Team, Al Hilal

The Uruguay-Argentina connection of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi reunited for Inter Miami, but it was not enough as the MLS squad lost to Saudi Arabia team, Al Hilal, after the American team's defense fell apart during the friendly.

Their opponents from Saudi Arabia won 4-3, even though two of the greatest players to ever play the game were wearing Inter Miami's signature pink jerseys throughout the match. Al Hilal played very aggressively, scoring three goals in the first half alone, picking apart Inter Miami's defense.

While this was only a friendly, with Al Hilal hosting Inter Miami at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the American team's two biggest stars were present, and both scored goals for the visiting team. However, while the offense was on point, the Inter Miami defense was in shambles.

Al Hilal is currently leading the Saudi Pro League, but it is backed by veterans from all over Europe, including former English Premier League player, Aleksandar Mitrovic, who scored the first goal of the match for the Saudi Arabian side, according to GOAL.

Abdullah Al-Hamdan added to Al Hilal's lead before the Uruguayan Badboy himself, Luis Suarez, made his presence felt and scored Inter Miami's first goal of the year, which was also his first goal in an Inter Miami jersey. However, the Suarez Spark was short-lived as Al Hilal player Michael scored the third goal for the Saudi squad just ten game minutes later.

Inter Miami did try to catch up thanks to a penalty goal from La Pulga himself, Lionel Messi, with youngster David Ruiz tying it up for the American squad. However, Inter Miami's defense collapsed once again as Brazilian winger Malcom scored a late goal in the 88th minute, handing Al Hilal the win.

Lionel Messi Gearing Up For Rematch Vs. Rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Next Inter Miami Friendly

Inter Miami is currently in Saudi Arabia not just to prepare for the Major League Soccer preseason but also to participate in the Riyadh Season Cup. After falling to Al Hilal, which previously offered Messi a massive amount of money to play for them, Inter Miami is scheduled to take on Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr next.

However, as the official MLS website pointed out, there is a big reason why this matchup is interesting. This match will feature a much-awaited rematch between Lionel Messi and his eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, who is now playing for Al Nassr.

Inter Miami Will Have New Sponsor in Upcoming MLS Season

Meanwhile, as Messi, Suarez, and the rest of Inter Miami are participating in friendlies over in Saudi Arabia, the team itself has dropped its previous main sponsor, crypto investment firm XBTO.

According to CNBC, the Florida-based squad will now have Florida-based cruise company Royal Caribbean International as its main sponsor starting in the 2024 season. The club's jersey will feature the cruise company's logo "front and center."

READ MORE: Lionel Messi Height Shows Big Things Come in Small Packages

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Lionel Messi SCORES in Inter Miami's club friendly vs. Al-Hilal | Highlights | ESPN FC