Messi Helps Miami To Big Win Over MLS Champions LAFC
Inter Miami secured an impressive victory, 3-1, during the Messi era, in a match against Major League Soccer champions Los Angeles FC on Sunday. Lionel Messi contributed significantly to the win with two assists, which bolstered Inter Miami’s hopes of reaching the playoffs.
Inter Miami’s statement victory was achieved with goals from Argentine forward Facundo Farias, Spanish full-back Jordi Alba, and substitute Leonardo Campana of Ecuador. This win brings them within nine points of the playoff positions, with nine games left in the season.
Lionel Messi’s first MLS appearance in Los Angeles drew a capacity crowd, which was further enhanced by the presence of numerous A-list celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Selena Gomez, and Prince Harry.
However, despite the star-studded audience, the home fans were left disappointed as the defending MLS Cup champions squandered several scoring opportunities. The frustration began with French-born Gabonese international Denis Bouanga, who had the first chance but opted to shoot instead of passing to the unmarked Mexican Carlos Vela to his right. Bouanga’s decision to shoot resulted in his effort being blocked, much to the dismay of his teammate.
Denis Bouanga had another excellent opportunity in the 11th minute, courtesy of a well-placed through ball from former Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini. However, Miami’s goalkeeper, Drake Callender, made an outstanding save to deny Bouanga.
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Despite these early threats, Inter Miami managed to take the lead in the 14th minute. Tomas Aviles split the LAFC defense with a pass that found Facundo Farias, who scored with a low shot while sliding.
Bouanga continued to pose a threat for LAFC, but he once again failed to capitalize on his chance when he broke through the middle but fired his shot wide.
Mario Gonzalez had an opportunity but missed the target when he had space for a shot, hitting the side-netting, as Miami posed a growing threat on the counter-attack.
Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gomez initiated an attack and played a clever back-heel pass to Lionel Messi, but Messi’s shot lacked power and was comfortably handled by LAFC’s John McCarthy.
In the lead-up to halftime, Messi had his best chance of the game, once more thanks to the exceptional play of Gomez. However, in a one-on-one situation with McCarthy, Messi’s attempted lofted shot was pushed away by the LAFC goalkeeper.
LAFC’s profligacy in front of goal came back to haunt them in the 51st minute when Inter Miami’s former Barcelona trio combined brilliantly.
Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets passed the ball to Lionel Messi, who then found the overlapping Jordi Alba. Alba made a penetrating run into the box and calmly finished with his left foot.
Inter Miami maintained control of the game and secured the victory in the 83rd minute. Messi initiated an attack from midfield and played the ball out to Leonardo Campana, who executed a precise curling finish to seal the win.
LAFC managed to pull a consolation goal back in the 90th minute through Ryan Hollingshead’s header from a corner. While LAFC is positioned third in the Western Conference and is likely to secure a playoff spot, this match highlighted their shortcomings in terms of finishing.
On the other hand, Inter Miami was at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and had gone winless in 11 MLS games before Lionel Messi’s arrival. After winning the Leagues Cup, the Florida club has since recorded two wins and one draw in regular season matches.
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