Inter Miami delivered a standout performance during the Lionel Messi era, securing a 3-1 victory over Major League Soccer champions Los Angeles FC on Sunday.
This victory, boosted by two assists from Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, significantly bolsters Miami’s playoff aspirations.
Goals from Argentine forward Facundo Farias, Spanish full-back Jordi Alba, and substitute Leonardo Campana of Ecuador earned Miami a statement win. This victory propels them within nine points of the playoff positions with nine games left in the season.
Lionel Messi made his first MLS appearance in Los Angeles, drawing a capacity crowd filled with A-list celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Selena Gomez, and Prince Harry. However, despite the star-studded audience, last year’s MLS Cup champions, Los Angeles FC, squandered several scoring opportunities.
The first notable chance of the match came from French-born Gabon international Denis Bouanga, who chose to shoot rather than pass to an unmarked Carlos Vela, much to his teammate’s frustration.
Bouanga had another excellent opportunity in the 11th minute but was denied by an impressive save from Miami keeper Drake Callender.
Despite these early challenges, Miami took the lead in the 14th minute when Tomas Aviles delivered a precise pass that found Farias, who scored with a well-placed low shot.
While Miami’s counterattacks posed a constant threat, LAFC continued to struggle with finishing in front of the goal. Messi had his moments, including an opportunity set up by Diego Gomez, but he was unable to capitalize on them in the first half.
Miami’s dominance continued into the second half, with their former Barcelona trio combining for a stylish goal in the 51st minute. Sergio Busquets passed to Messi, who then set up Alba for a clinical left-footed finish.
The victory was sealed in the 83rd minute when Messi orchestrated a play that resulted in Campana scoring with a precise curling finish.
Regardless of LAFC scoring a late consolation goal in the 90th minute, Miami’s clinical finishing was the key difference.
Inter Miami had been at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and winless in 11 MLS games before Messi’s arrival. Since then, they’ve won two and drawn one in regular season action, including their Leagues Cup triumph.
Messi expressed optimism about the team’s growth, saying, “This group grows more every day… the goal is to get into the playoffs and fight for the league.”
In another Sunday game, last year’s runners-up, the Philadelphia Union, defeated the New York Red Bulls 4-1 to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Source: AFP.
