Lionel Messi returned from injury to play hero in an otherwise flat انتر Miami performance, lifting his team to a 3-1 win over the لوس أنجلوس جالاكسي on Saturday after missing two matches with a right hamstring issue.
Miami looked uninspired for much of the night, but late goals from Messi and لويس Suárez in the 84th and 89th minutes secured all three points after the reigning MLS Cup champions had held firm for 83 minutes.
Messi entered at halftime with Miami up 1-0 thanks to Jordi Alba’s strike just before the break. The Galaxy equalized 15 minutes into the second half when winger Joseph Paintsil sliced through two defenders and beat goalkeeper Oscar Ustari at the near post.
After a tense 20-minute spell, Messi produced a moment of brilliance, weaving through defenders before finishing with his trademark left foot to restore Miami’s lead. The Herons rode that momentum to the finish, capped by Suárez’s late dagger – set up, fittingly, by Messi.
The Uruguayan forward found the back of the net from open play for the first time in 12 matches, while Messi earned his 10th assist of the regular season. His strike, meanwhile, was his 19th of the season, which puts him in the lead of the MLS Golden Boot race.
With the season winding down, it was a crucial three points for Miami in the race for the MLS Supporters’ Shield and their standing for the postseason. It was a solid response from a squad who were coming off a 4-1 battering at the hands of مدينة أورلاندو, too.
Now, with Messi back in the mix, the طيور البلشون will look to work their way up the standings in the East. With their win, they will end the weekend in fourth place, six points back from conference-leading Philadelphia Union, while having three matches in hand.
BALLGM rates Inter Miami’s players from Chase Stadium…
Lionel Messi returned from injury to play hero in an otherwise flat Inter Miami performance, lifting his team to a 3-1 win over the LA Galaxy on Saturday after missing two matches with a right hamstring issue.n
Miami looked uninspired for much of the night, but late goals from Messi and Luis Suárez in the 84th and 89th minutes secured all three points after the reigning MLS Cup champions had held firm for 83 minutes.n
Messi entered at halftime with Miami up 1-0 thanks to Jordi Alba’s strike just before the break. The Galaxy equalized 15 minutes into the second half when winger Joseph Paintsil sliced through two defenders and beat goalkeeper Oscar Ustari at the near post.n
After a tense 20-minute spell, Messi produced a moment of brilliance, weaving through defenders before finishing with his trademark left foot to restore Miami’s lead. The Herons rode that momentum to the finish, capped by Suárez’s late dagger – set up, fittingly, by Messi.
The Uruguayan forward found the back of the net from open play for the first time in 12 matches, while Messi earned his 10th assist of the regular season. His strike, meanwhile, was his 19th of the season, which puts him in the lead of the MLS Golden Boot race.
With the season winding down, it was a crucial three points for Miami in the race for the MLS Supporters’ Shield and their standing for the postseason. It was a solid response from a squad who were coming off a 4-1 battering at the hands of Orlando City, too.
Now, with Messi back in the mix, the طيور البلشون will look to work their way up the standings in the East. With their win, they will end the weekend in fourth place, six points back from conference-leading Philadelphia Union, while having three matches in hand.
بالجم يقيم لاعبي إنتر ميامي من ملعب تشيس…
Oscar Ustari (5/10):
He will want the goal conceded to Paintsil back. Poor, poor goalkeeping on the Galaxy’s opener – just inexcusable.
Jordi Alba (9/10):
Tremendous run and finish for Miami’s opening goal, and a superb defensive performance to pair with it. Top showing.
ماكسي فالكون (6/10):
Was solid under pressure, and gave Ustari a passing outlet out of the back. A good performance overall with no real errors.
جونزالو لوجان (7/10):
Solid next to Falcon, and particularly impressive in 1v1 moments. Solid.
مارسيلو ويجاندت (6/10):
Wasn’t particularly noticeable, which isn’t a bad thing. Quietly did his job and was composed under pressure against a talented Galaxy attack.
Sergio Busquets (7/10):
So composed in the middle of the park. Quietly pulled the strings and controlled the tempo all evening long. A good showing from the veteran.
Benjamin Cremaschi (6/10):
Earned a rare start, but was played deeper than usual, limiting his ability to go forward. Still, a solid performance overall, and he looked better once De Paul entered the fray.
Fafa Piault (5/10):
Provided width and pace off the ball, but not much else. Wasted opportunity to make an impression.
لويس سواريز (7/10):
So smart in the final third. Made some brilliant runs and finally got his goal in the 89th minute. A top performance.
Telasco Segovia (5/10):
Had a لطيف - جيد finish in the first half, but the goal was called back for offside. Otherwise, rather ineffective.
Tadeo Allende (4/10):
A complete ghost. Hooked at halftime.
Lionel Messi (7/10):
Made his return from injury midway through the match and was rather ineffective until his late winner – but hey, a goal is a goal, and it was one heck of a finish.
Rodrigo De Paul (6/10):
Gave Miami a much-needed midfield presence in the second half, allowing Cremaschi to climb higher. Solid showing.
Baltasar Rodriguez (N/A):
Replaced Picault late, was lively in moments.
يانيك برايت (غير متاح):
Brought on for Cremaschi with 13 minutes to spare.
Javier Mascherano (4/10):
Miami were flat from start to finish and that falls on Mascherano. The attack lacked cohesion, with players often out of position and little rhythm going forward. Against one of the league’s worst teams, it was simply a poor performance. Messi’s return to fitness is a silver lining, capped by a great goal – but it came out of nothing, which underscores the problem. The Argentine manager will need to go back to the drawing board as the Herons would have lost against a better team with this showing.
