Iniesta and Messi Reunion: Inter Miami Faces Vissel Kobe in 2024 Preseason Tour
Andrés Iniesta and Leo Messi have crossed paths once again, this time in Tokyo, thanks to NSN. Inter Miami faced Vissel Kobe, the former club of the Spanish midfielder, during their international preseason tour in 2024.
The National Stadium of Japan set the stage for this friendly match, which ended 0-0 after 90 minutes. In the penalty shootout, Takayuki Yoshida’s team prevailed (4-3) against Tata Martino’s squad. The game brought together FC Barcelona legends such as Leo Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez, who reunited with their former teammate from the Blaugrana era, now playing for Emirates Club FC.
Iniesta didn’t want to miss this unforgettable day and traveled to Japan to be part of this significant event, where he took charge of the ceremonial kickoff. “I just wish you all enjoy this great match,” he said just before the start. The last time the Spanish midfielder coincided with the current Inter Miami players in a stadium was in 2018 when he bid farewell to the Catalan club at Camp Nou.
Despite doubts about Messi’s participation in the friendly due to an injury, the Argentine entered the field in the 59th minute of the second half. The 30,000-plus spectators at the National Stadium of Japan witnessed Messi’s play for 30 minutes, although he did not take any of the penalties for the American team.
