2024-01-20 03:38:01
SAN SALVADOR (AP) — With a party in the stands due to the presence of Lionel Messi but with little excitement on the pitch, the El Salvador national team drew goalless with Inter Miami on Friday.
Messi’s visit to the Cuscatlán stadium in the Salvadoran capital caused a total celebration of thousands of fans, most of whom wore the pink Inter shirt with the Argentine star’s number 10.
El Salvador, led by Spaniard David Dóniga, stood with three defenders in the back and five midfielders to try to hinder the internationals who were playing at half speed, risking little at the top.
The first scoring opportunity was for Selecta, after a collective play, Nelson Bonilla stood on the edge of the area and took a shot that passed close to Dos Santos’ goal in the 11th minute.
Messi, Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez showed glimpses of their genius. At 36 minutes, the Argentine recovered the ball and with Busquets created a play for Messi to shoot at Mario Gonzáles’ goal, which he blocked.
The ball was loose in the area, Messi collected the rebound and again González saved the “Flea” chance.
Jordi Alba had the goal at his feet in the 39th minute, when Messi enabled it, but again González, from close range, blocked the Spaniard’s shot, drowning out the cry for a goal.
The final part of the match was played if the four stars: Alba, Busquets, Suarez and Messi, did not jump onto the grass. Without much hubbub in the stands, almost in silence, the second half began. The emotional downturn was noticeable after Messi went to the bench.
The game fell into a “bump”: Inter Miami with possession of the ball, but without generating dangerous chances, while Selecta sought to surprise the defense of the American team with a long ball.
Towards the final stretch of the match, Steven Vázquez hit the crossbar with his shot after a great individual action.
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