The Arsenal u16s’ disappointing start to the Messi Cup finally came to an end on Wednesday, as the young Gunners defeated hosts Inter Miami.
The Arsenal academy are currently taking part in the second edition of the Messi Cup, and the team struggled in the initial group stages of the tournament.
The young Gunners were a little unfortunate to lose their opening game to Newell’s Old Boys, conceding an early goal and finding themselves frustrated by their opponents for the rest of the match.
But there could be few complaints about the following two results, as Arsenal were thrashed 4-1 by Barcelona and beaten 3-1 by Palmeiras. The team’s star player did at least have an impact, with Jaden Maghoma scoring both Gunners goals.
With no wins in three games, Arsenal finished bottom of their group and failed to reach the ‘Copa Oro’ knockouts. But the format of the tournament involves the bottom two teams in each group competing in the ‘Copa Plata’, to determine their overall finish from ninth to 16th.
As a result, Arsenal were in action again on Wednesday, playing tournament hosts Inter Miami.
This time around, Arsenal got the win, with Maghoma assisting team captain Frankie Wyatt for the game’s only goal.
Arsenal will now play UE Cornella in the Copa Plata semi-finals, and if they can grab another win, they’ll face either Chelsea or a rematch with Newell’s Old Boys in the final.
Arsenal Messi Cup squad
Arsenal u16 squad: Albie Shea, Kendrick Van Djoy, Jaden Maghoma, Abdul Zakari, Travis Chilard-Martin, Giovahn Jones, Reiss Tweneboa Kodua, Darius Odeyemi, Max Chuderski, Blake Day King, Jayden Anidi, Fletcher McBryde, Beau Luton, Isaiah Matthews, Kayden Joseph, Leo Aliadiere, Khamil Hall, Jayce Smith, Onye Asiegbu, and Frankie Wyatt.
- Arsenal notch their 1st win at Messi CupThe Arsenal u16s’ disappointing start to the Messi Cup finally came to an end on Wednesday, as the young Gunners defeated hosts Inter Miami.
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