With loss in Saudi Arabia, Messi's Inter Miami remains winless in preseason

In a game marred by sloppy defending, Miami lost 4-3 to Saudi Arabian league leaders Al-Hilal, who looked brighter and more engaged than the MLS team from the jump. While some of that was to be expected given that Al-Hilal is in the middle of its season while Miami is still warming up, the early difference between the sides was staggering.

Al-Hilal, which features European stars such as ex-Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrović and ex-Wolves midfielder Rúben Neves, is no pushover. It's led by Saudi defender Salem Aldawsari, a player casual fans might remember from the 2022 World Cup. He scored a screamer of a goal that gave Saudi Arabia a surprise group-stage victory over Messi's Argentina.

Al-Hilal struck first Monday, breaking through Miami's five-man defense twice in quick succession for two goals. The teams traded punches throughout the first half, with Suarez pulling one back before Al-Hilal found the back of the net again to end the half at 3-1.

Things improved slightly for Miami in the second half, thanks to a man few expected to make an impact: homegrown Miami teen David Ruiz.

The 19-year-old was the lone bright spot for Inter Miami, bringing energy, guile and precision to the field from his position on the left flank. 

"I know there's a lot of kids from the [Inter Miami] academy watching," Ruiz said after the match. "And I want to show them that anything is possible."

MLS, thanks to teams such as Inter Miami, is known for its veterans. But the real engine behind the league's improvement in recent years is kids like Ruiz. 

MLS has become a fascinating proving ground for young global talent — from Atlanta's Thiago Almada and San Jose's Cade Cowell to Salt Lake's Diego Luna. It's the consistent discovery and refinement of players like them who lift MLS higher. Veterans bring eyeballs, but they don't bring long-term quality.

As Inter Miami prepares for the back half of its preseason — featuring games against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, Japan's Vissel Kobe and Messi's childhood team Newell's Old Boys — a renewed focus on young talent like Ruiz will go a long way. His stunning goal against Al-Hilal on Monday is one of the only positives Miami fans can take away from the team's performance.