After the match, the media gathered around Abel Ferreira and Gabriel Silver during the post-game press conference.
The bright lights of the cameras reflected off the table as the reporters leaned forward, eager to get their thoughts.
One of them asked the question everyone had been wondering: would the starting lineup from tonight be the same when the new season officially begins, or was he planning to make changes?
Ferreira smiled slightly, folding his arms as he considered his response.
His tone was calm but confident, the way it usually was when he spoke about his team.
"The pre-season is still going on," he said. "We're still testing combinations, still evaluating the players' fitness and how they adapt to our system.
We have one more game to play before the season starts, so anything can happen."
He paused for a moment, glancing at the journalists before continuing.
"What matters most right now is that everyone is giving their best.
The players know that every training session and every match counts.
I'm happy with the effort and the attitude I've seen so far."
His answer didn't give away too much—typical of Ferreira—but it showed his focus on preparation and competition.
The message was clear: no one's place in the starting eleven was guaranteed yet.
Gabriel expressed his delight at making his first start for Palmeiras in the preseason, particularly pleased that he could contribute with two assists.
He said he felt a strong connection with the team from the beginning, and that providing assists gave him extra confidence.
He acknowledged that while it's still early days, he's motivated to build on this performance, learn the system under Ferreira, and help the team wherever needed.
The journalist asked Gabriel how it felt to play on the same pitch as Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Gabriel smiled and said it felt amazing and truly special to share the field with such a legendary player.
"It feels really good," he said. "It's a great experience to play alongside someone of his talent and class.
I have learned a lot from watching him—his movement, vision, and calmness with the ball.
Playing with Messi has inspired me to keep improving every day and to always give my best for the team and the fans."
Ferreira highlighted the positive aspects of the performance — notably the young Gabriel Silva stepping up and delivering.
He also stressed that while contributions like Silva's are excellent, the work ahead is constant: maintaining levels, improving together, and ensuring that performances in friendlies translate into competitive matches.
On the other side, Lionel Messi and Javier the coach acknowledged that Inter Miami's performance wasn't bad, even though in a draw.
Messi said the team created several good chances but "lacked a bit of luck in finishing."
Javier echoed that sentiment, praising his players' effort and teamwork, saying the preseason is about building rhythm and improving execution, not just results.
When asked by journalists about Silva's display,
Messi smiled and said he had been "pleasantly surprised" by the youngster's composure and decision-making on the ball.
He mentioned that it's not easy for a young player to perform confidently against experienced opponents, especially in a high-profile friendly.
"He's a very talented player," Messi said. "You can see he understands the game — the way he positions himself, how he looks for teammates, and how calm he is in key moments. That's something special at his age."
Messi added that Silva's two assists were no coincidence, describing them as the result of vision and quick thinking.
He encouraged the Palmeiras midfielder to keep working hard and stay humble, saying,
"He needs to continue like this, keep improving every day, and he'll become a great player.
Talent is important, but attitude and consistency make the difference."*
His comments quickly gained attention among reporters and fans, as praise from a player of Messi's stature underscored the potential of Gabriel Silva's bright future at Palmeiras.
It was already night when the team entered their bus, tired but filled with satisfaction after a long and intense match.
The city lights shimmered through the tinted windows as the bus rolled away from the stadium toward the hotel.
The streets were quiet, and the hum of the engine mixed with the low conversations and laughter of the players.
Gabriel sat beside Gomez, his closest friend in the team.
He leaned his head back on the seat, a small smile playing on his lips.
The excitement from his performance still ran through his veins—he had played one of his best games yet.
Deep down, he felt proud but also determined to keep improving.
He knew that with time, he would fully adapt to the team's rhythm and learn even more from the experienced players around him.
Gomez turned to him with a grin and patted his shoulder.
"You were incredible today, hermano," he said. "Keep playing like that, and you'll go far."
Gabriel chuckled, a little embarrassed but grateful for the praise.
"Thanks, man," he replied. "You've always been there for me, giving advice and keeping me grounded."
Gomez laughed softly and shrugged. "That's what friends are for."
As the bus rolled through the city lights, Gabriel glanced out the window.
Though he was far from home and missed his parents, having Gomez by his side made everything easier.
In that moment, he felt as though he had an older brother watching over him.
When Gabriel got to the hotel that night, the air around him felt lighter.
The team bus had just dropped them off after the game, and his body was a mix of exhaustion and adrenaline.
He followed the usual routine almost automatically—checked in, greeted the front desk clerk with a tired smile, and headed straight to his room.
The corridor smelled faintly of fresh polish and detergent, that comforting scent of clean hotels he had gotten used to after years of traveling from city to city.
Inside his room, the lights were soft, the bed neatly made, and a faint hum from the air conditioner filled the silence.
He tossed his bag on the couch and went straight to the bathroom.
The warm shower felt like heaven, washing away the sweat, the tension, and the grass stains of the night.
He stood there for a while, just letting the water run down his back, his mind replaying the game—his perfect cross, the roar of the crowd, the sound of his name echoing through the stadium.
After showering, he threw on a light T-shirt and ordered a small meal—grilled chicken, rice, and some fruit.
He didn't like eating heavily after a match. He ate slowly, scrolling through his phone at the same time.
There were dozens of notifications waiting for him. Messages from teammates flooded his WhatsApp group, full of jokes and congratulations.
His old teammates from his previous club had also texted, sending him voice notes of excitement. "Bravo, brother!" one message read. "You killed it tonight!"
Gabriel smiled to himself. Nights like this made all the sacrifices worth it—the early mornings, the lonely hotel rooms, the endless training sessions.
He replied to a few messages, thanking them, laughing at their jokes. Then one message caught his attention.
It was from an unfamiliar number. The message read:
"Hi Gabriel, I hope I'm not disturbing you. This is Ana—the woman you met at the airport when you arrived from Brasília.
I just wanted to say congratulations on your performance tonight. You're an amazing player. I always enjoy watching you."
Gabriel paused for a second, trying to remember. Then it clicked.
Ana—the woman in the cream-colored dress at the airport. She had asked for a photo, smiled warmly, and wished him luck for the season.
He had thought she was just another fan, but her message now felt genuine, kind.
He replied:
"Hi Ana, of course, I remember you. Thank you for your support—it means a lot.
I'll keep doing my best every time I step onto the pitch."
A moment later, she responded:
"I'll be in São Paulo during my vacation. It's my hometown, and I'll definitely come to the stadium to watch you play. Maybe I'll get another photo then?"
Gabriel chuckled, typing back,
"Deal. Just let me know when you're around."
After the short exchange, he locked his phone for a moment and leaned back on the bed.
The city lights outside blinked through the window, the faint sound of traffic humming in the distance.
For the first time that day, he felt completely at peace.
Then he remembered the missed calls from earlier—his family.
They had tried to reach him right after the match, but he was still on the team bus, caught in post-game interviews and banter.
He opened his video call app and dialed home.
His mother answered almost immediately, her face lighting up on the screen.
"Son! We watched you tonight!" she said, her voice full of pride.
Behind her, he could see his brother and sister peeking into the camera, waving excitedly.
"You were amazing, bro!" his brother shouted. "That assist! Oh my God!"
Gabriel laughed, his heart swelling. "Thanks, guys. You're the reason I keep pushing. I just want to make you proud."
His mother smiled softly. "We are already proud, Gabriel.
Every time we see you out there, we see all your hard work paying off.
Your father would have called too, but he went to visit Grandma."
They talked for nearly half an hour—about the game, the upcoming matches, and family gossip.
His sister told him about her school , his brother bragged about scoring two goals in a local match, and his mother kept reminding him to rest and eat well.
Eventually, she said, "Alright, son, it's late. You need your rest. We love you."
"I love you guys more," Gabriel replied, smiling before ending the call.
He lay back on the bed again, the phone resting on his chest.
The room was quiet except for the low hum of the air conditioner.
He closed his eyes, and in the silence, he could almost hear the commentators' voices from earlier—calling his name, describing his play.
It echoed faintly in his mind like a dream he didn't want to end.
But as the adrenaline faded, a familiar thought returned—the season was approaching .
The competition was tough, and he had to fight for his place in the starting lineup.
There would be more training, more pressure, and more eyes watching his every move.
He turned off the bedside lamp and pulled the blanket over himself.
The glow from the city lights painted faint patterns on the ceiling.
As sleep slowly took over, he whispered a small prayer of gratitude—to his family, his team, and the quiet strength inside him that never stopped pushing forward.
Tomorrow, he knew, the work would start again.
But tonight, Gabriel allowed himself to rest—with a heart full of pride, a phone full of messages, and a dream that was only just beginning.