FT LAUDERDALE, FL – Inter Miami CF hosted FC Barcelona in the first match of their US tour this summer in Florida. The majority blue jersey crowd cheered on as Barca destroyed the overmatched Herons 6-0 with many near misses in hand.
Barca coach Xavi Hernandez was not on the sidelines for the match as he remains in Spain resolving a visa issue ahead of the rest of his team’s tour.
The scoring started in the 19th minute when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sent in a shot with his left boot into the center of the goal after a nice assist by Raphaina. This goal comes straight after an attempt by Pedri that was blocked by Miami goalkeeper.
In the 25th minute, Barcelona’s Franck Kessié is fouled by Miami’s Gregore, giving Barca a free kick.
After there free is clicked, Raphinha (Barcelona) left footed shot from the right side of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Balde with a cross, giving Barcelona the 2-0 lead.
In the 41st minute, Ansu Fati (Barcelona) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Raphinha. Barcelona went into he locker room at the half with a 3-0 lead over Miami.
At the start of the second half, Barcelona substituted all 11 players of their team. The switches gave other team members a a chance at some experience and playing time. Miami, in turn, replaced seven of their starters.
Barcelona continued the scoring in the 55th minute. Gavi left footed shot from the center of the box to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Memphis Depay following a corner, giving Barca a 4-0 lead.
They finished their scorned in the 69th and 70th minutes,
In the 69th minute, Memphis Depay blasted a shot from the center box into the lower right corner for score 5.
Almost immediately, score 6 came when Ousmane Dembélé left footed shot from the center of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Sergi Roberto.
According to Miami head coach Phil Neville spoke on what this game was really about for the Herons.
“Yeah, it was a big challenge for us to play abasing work class players, really two world class teams between the first and second half. I thought it was a brilliant learning experience for us all. Now our players have the experience of playing in the stadium feels like. We’ve got a lot of young player who have gained experience to see the level of play that is necessary to play act that world Cup lever, that top, top level.”
Also, Gonzalo Higuain was playing by himself for a lot of the first half, being in the box and ready to try to compete, but ofter found himself alone with no one to pass to.
Harvey Neville, the son of Miami coach Phil Neville, and team co-owner David Beckham’s son Romeo both made substitute appearances for the hosts, coming on with the match already well in hand for Barcelona.
After the match against Real Madrid, Barca will face Juventus in Dallas, Texas, on July 23 and another MLS side in the New York Red Bull in Harrison, New Jersey, on July 26.
They’ll return home to play the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Liga MX club Pumas UNAM on Aug. 7, and begin their 2022-23 LaLiga campaign on Aug. 13 at the Camp Nou versus Rayo Vallecano.
