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By Martin Graham | 26th Feb 2024
In a pulsating showdown against LA Galaxy, Lionel Messi once again proved his mettle with a mesmerizing injury-time goal that rescued Inter Miami from the jaws of defeat, securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw. The clash saw Galaxy seize the lead in the 75th minute courtesy of a clinical finish by striker Dejan Joveljic, putting Inter Miami on the back foot. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Galaxy midfielder Mark Delgado received his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card, reducing the hosts to ten men.
Despite facing an uphill battle, Inter Miami displayed remarkable resilience, epitomizing the fighting spirit instilled by head coach Gerardo Martino. Martino acknowledged his side’s sluggish start but commended their unwavering determination to claw their way back into the game. The presence of former Barcelona luminaries such as Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez injected moments of brilliance into the encounter, with Messi’s telepathic connection with Alba ultimately proving decisive. As Galaxy struggled to contain their numerical disadvantage, Alba’s precision pass found Messi lurking in the box, where the Argentine maestro unleashed a trademark finish past goalkeeper John McCarthy to snatch a precious point for Inter Miami.
Inter Miami advances to Eastern Conference summit amid drama
Inter Miami’s pulsating draw against LA Galaxy capped off a whirlwind start to their Major Soccer League campaign, following their triumphant opener against Real Salt Lake. Despite settling for a share of the spoils, Inter Miami finds themselves perched atop the Eastern Conference standings with four points, setting the stage for a gripping title race. While their rivals DC United kicked off their season with a resounding victory over New England Revolution, Inter Miami’s early form suggests they are poised to mount a serious challenge for silverware.
Martino, the mastermind behind Inter Miami’s resurgence, lauded his side’s resilience in the face of adversity, emphasizing the collective character that has become synonymous with the club’s ethos. With the illustrious quartet of Messi, Alba, Busquets, and Suarez spearheading their charge, Inter Miami exudes confidence as they embark on a quest for glory in the fiercely competitive MLS landscape.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
