Late Goal by Lionel Messi Secures Draw for Inter Miami Against LA Galaxy
In a remarkable display at Dignity Health Park in Carson, California, on Sunday night, the LA Galaxy managed to contain Lionel Messi for the majority of the game, but the Argentine maestro emerged in the nick of time to salvage a 1-1 draw for Inter Miami CF.
Despite the Galaxy appearing poised for a victorious start to the season, with Dejan Joveljic netting a goal, Messi intervened during second-half stoppage time, leveling the score. The Galaxy, not particularly accommodating to the talismanic Messi, vigorously marked him throughout the match, restricting his impact until the dying moments.
Inter Miami fielded its renowned quartet of former Barcelona players, including Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Messi. However, it was La Masia academy product Ricard Puig, now with the Galaxy since 2022, who stole the spotlight in the first half.
Puig's dynamic presence in the opening 45 minutes, orchestrating plays and eliciting a crucial save from Miami's goalkeeper Drake Callender, marked a dominant performance for the home side.
Despite Puig missing a 13th-minute penalty, the first half concluded with a 0-0 scoreline, as Messi had limited touches, one of his lowest counts in a first half since joining Inter Miami.
The second half showcased Miami's Joseph Paintsil causing trouble down the right wing, with Callender making crucial saves before the 60-minute mark. Miami's best opportunity came in the 69th minute, with John McCarthy, the new Galaxy arrival, making an exceptional save to maintain the scoreline.
In the 75th minute, the Galaxy finally broke the deadlock as Puig's shot led to Mark Delgado assisting Joveljic for an open-net finish. However, Delgado received his second yellow card minutes later, leaving the door open for Messi. Capitalizing on a loose ball, Messi executed a brilliant series of one-two passes with Alba before unleashing a left-footed shot into the top corner, securing his first goal of the 2024 MLS season and ensuring a draw for Inter Miami.
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Негізгі бет Спорт LA Galaxy 1-1 Inter Miami 🤩 Messi equalizes in the last minutes
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