.png)
Lionel Messi came up against boyhood club Newell's Old Boys last night and attempted to score a rare "Olimpico" goal.
Inter Miami wrapped up preparations for the new MLS season with a final friendly at the DRV PNK Stadium.
The opponent was Messi's first ever club, who he spent five years at as a youngster before moving to Barcelona.
Advert
It was an emotional fixture for Messi, who posed alongside Maxi Rodriguez and manager Gerardo Martino and held up Newell's shirts before the game.
The game finished 1-1, with Shanyder Borgelin opening the scoring for the hosts before Franco Diaz levelled matters in the 83rd minute.
Having had injury problems which ruled him out of a friendly in Hong Kong, Messi played 60 minutes in front of the 18,000 fans.
Advert
And the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner used the opportunity to try and score the one type of goal not currently in his collection.
In the 45th minute, Inter had an inswinging corner from the right and Messi decided he was going for goal.
Messi curled the ball goalwards in a clear attempt at scoring directly but there wasn't enough pace on the effort.
Advert
A goal straight from a corner was given 'Olimpico' name following the feat from Argentina's Cesareo Onzari against reigning Olympic champions Uruguay back in 1942.
Playing for MLS sides, David Beckham and Thierry Henry have both replicated the heroics and it seems as though Messi is trying to join the exclusive club.
He tried it playing for Argentina against Paraguay in October and hit the post, while it nearly came off in a friendly against FC Dallas last month.
Advert
On this occasion, Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Paes sprawled across his goal to make an excellent save.
Reacting to the match against Newell's, Messi took to Instagram to write: "A very special game to end the preseason!!!”
Inter begin the MLS season on Thursday 22 February when they host Real Salt Lake.
Topics: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, MLS, Newell's Old Boys
Josh Lawless