Those who had high expectations for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami dominating Major League Soccer this season have already been proven wrong by the impressive performance of the LA Galaxy.
Messi showcased his brilliance to keep Miami unbeaten after a tough match against another top MLS club.
Scoring in the second minute of injury time in the second half, Messi, assisted by Jordi Alba, secured a crucial 1-1 draw for Miami against the Galaxy on Sunday night.
Despite Dejan Joveljic’s goal in the 75th minute for the Galaxy, which almost resulted in a setback for Messi and his team, the Argentine superstar worked his magic to salvage a point.
Executing a give-and-go pass with Alba, Messi expertly chipped a shot into the top corner of the net, above Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy.
The goal brought excitement to the crowd at Miami’s first away game of the season. A record 27,642 fans, including many wearing Messi shirts, witnessed the intense match — the highest attendance for a Galaxy regular-season game at their stadium.
Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender, with eight saves including one on a penalty shot, acknowledged the electric atmosphere and the need for improvement despite earning a valuable point on the road.
Inter Miami is the favorite to dominate the MLS this season with the star-studded lineup of Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Alba. However, the team recognizes the challenges ahead.
After a win at their home opener, Miami faced a tough test against the Galaxy, who showed more offensive pressure and generated more chances throughout the game.
The young Galaxy team, in contrast to Miami’s high-profile signings, delivered a competitive performance with impressive debuts from their new players.
Martino, the Miami coach, acknowledged the Galaxy’s dominance in the first half and praised the performance of their key players.
Despite Delgado’s sending off and missed opportunities, Messi eventually found the net with a decisive goal to salvage a draw for Miami.
The matchup between Messi and the Galaxy drew excitement among fans, with Beckham’s influence on MLS being highlighted before the game.
The thrilling encounter showcased the growth of MLS as a league attracting top talent and generating excitement among fans and officials alike.