In the dying moments of a tied match, Lionel Messi scored a brilliant goal to put his team ahead and later assisted another, sealing the victory in style.
The score was 1-1 with six minutes remaining. Messi received the ball outside the box from Rodrigo De Paul, elegantly dribbled past one defender, then another, and took a composed shot from outside the area. It wasn’t a blistering strike, but perfectly measured, leaving the goalkeeper helpless. Commentators called it “Magical Messi…” and another added, “For most players this goal would be special, for Messi it’s normal.”
Although listed in the squad, Messi didn’t start the match. His entry at the beginning of the second half boosted the team’s rhythm, but goals remained elusive. Finally, his touch of magic ended the team’s scoring drought, and moments later, another of his inspired plays confirmed the victory.
Returning from injury after three matches, Messi was the hero as Inter Miami defeated LA Galaxy 3-1 in Major League Soccer.
Jordi Alba had given Miami the lead late in the first half, but Galaxy equalized in the 59th minute. Messi scored in the 84th minute, and five minutes later, Luis Suarez added another goal, assisted by Messi.
Miami controlled the ball 46% of the match but managed only eight shots on target from 29 attempts. Early chances included a close-range shot from Suarez in the 11th minute hitting the post, and a goal from Telasco Segovia in the 30th minute disallowed for offside.
Alba’s goal before halftime came thanks to a superb defensive-splitting pass from former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, which he converted from the edge of the box with no chance for the goalkeeper.
Messi’s first key contribution came in the 57th minute. Receiving a pass from Suarez via Alba on the left side of the box, his left-footed shot narrowly went over the crossbar.
Two minutes later, Galaxy equalized with Joseph Paintsil’s well-placed finish after slicing through defenders. Miami responded with increased pressure. In the 68th minute, Suarez’s shot from a Messi pass was saved by the Galaxy goalkeeper, and moments later, Fafa Picault’s header was stopped. Alba’s volley two minutes later went over the bar.
After repeated attacks, relief came from Messi’s feet, prompting celebrations with his teammates. With 19 goals this season, the Argentine superstar leads the league’s scoring charts.
In the 89th minute, Messi executed a perfect backheel inside the box to find Suarez, who finished flawlessly to secure the win. Across all competitions, this was Suarez’s first goal from running play in nine matches.
The victory was crucial for Miami in the Supporters’ Shield race. With 45 points from 24 matches, they sit fifth in the Eastern Conference. Leaders Cincinnati have 52 points but from 27 matches.
LA Galaxy, last year’s MLS Cup winners, are struggling in the Western Conference, failing to win in their last four league matches. With 40 points from 24 games, they currently sit fifth.
