After picking up their first win of the preseason period in Hong Kong on Sunday, Inter Miami complete their Asian tour with a Tokyo friendly against Japanese champions Vissel Kobe.
Playing without injured stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, Miami thrashed a Hong Kong XI 4-1 – with fans inside the stadium voicing their particular displeasure at the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s absence.
Before last weekend’s comfortable victory, the Herons had failed to match the sky-high expectations generated by the January addition of Suárez to a squad already featuring fellow former Barça favourites Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
After beginning their preseason schedule with a goalless draw against El Salvador, Miami suffered consecutive losses to Dallas, Al Hilal and Al Nassr – with the third of those defeats a 6-0 drubbing in Riyadh.
Watch Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami on AppleTV+.
What time does Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami start?
The game between Vissel Kobe and Inter Miami will be played at Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday 7 February 2024, with kick-off scheduled for 5am ET/3am PT.
How can I watch Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami?
You’ll be able to stream Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami on AppleTV+’s MLS Season Pass.
Enjoy the game on Season Pass.
Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami: live with AS USA
You’ll also have the option of following live-text commentary of Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami right here at AS USA. Will Gittins will be building up to the clash from about an hour ahead of kick-off, before talking you through the action as it happens.
Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami: teams’ last five games
Vissel Kobe:
- 3 December 2023: Gamba Osaka 0-1 Vissel Kobe
- 25 November 2023: Vissel Kobe 2-1 Nagoya Grampus
- 12 November 2023: Urawa Reds 1-2 Vissel Kobe
- 28 October 2023: Shonan Bellmare 1-1 Vissel Kobe
- 21 October 2023: Vissel Kobe 3-1 Kashima Antlers
Inter Miami:
- 4 February 2024: Hong Kong XI 1-4 Inter Miami
- 1 February 2024: Al Nassr 6-0 Inter Miami
- 29 January 2024: Al Hilal 4-3 Inter Miami
- 23 January 2024: Dallas 1-0 Inter Miami
- 20 January 2024: El Salvador 0-0 Inter Miami
Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami: prediction
Having ended their four-game preseason winless streak in Hong Kong, Inter Miami now face a higher calibre of opposition when they take on the reigning J1 League champions in the Japanese capital. We reckon the Floridians will score goals once again – but will concede them, too. Prediction: Vissel Kobe 3-3 Inter Miami.
Messi fitness update: what injury does he have?
Speaking after Sunday’s win, Inter Miami head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino explained that a groin injury had prevented Messi from taking part at Hong Kong Stadium.
“We understand the disappointment of the fans who came to the stadium today,” Martino told reporters. “We made the decision together with the medical staff. There was a major risk that we would aggravate [Messi and Suárez’s] injuries, so that’s why they couldn’t play.
“Leo has swelling in his adductor muscle. He had scans in Saudi Arabia and we’re taking it day by day, but we’re always hopeful that he can make good progress. But we have to remain mindful of the fact that our league season is about to get underway.”
