Lionel Messi played a pivotal role in Inter Miami’s path to the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs with a dazzling 3-1 win against reigning champions Los Angeles FC on September 03.
The match began with Facundo Farias making an impactful mark, executing a superb sliding first-time strike. This goal was made possible by the precision of teenager Tomas Aviles, who delivered an impeccable through pass that left goalkeeper John McCarthy helpless at the far post.
After halftime, the magic continued as Jordi Alba gracefully capitalized on Messi’s exquisitely timed pass. Alba artfully chipped the ball past McCarthy, securing the second goal of the match.
Messi’s influence remained undiminished, as he drove forward from the halfway circle and found Leonardo Campana, who expertly converted the chance with a first-time shot into the far corner.
In the final moments, Ryan Hollingshead managed to score a consolation goal for the hosts, heading home a corner from Carlos Vela in stoppage time.
Inter Miami stood their ground and clinched their seventh MLS victory of the season. Their resurgence since Messi’s arrival in July has been nothing short of spectacular, with the Florida team triumphing in 10 of their last 11 matches, including a thrilling penalty shootout win over Nashville in the Leagues Cup final last month.
With Messi, a World Cup winner, at the helm, Inter Miami has seen a meteoric rise. He has already made an indelible mark on his new club, contributing 11 goals and providing five assists, fueling the team’s playoff hopes.
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