With two assists from Lionel Messi, Inter Miami beat Los Angeles FC 3-1 on Sunday night at their home stadium, where a collection of celebrities paraded to see the world’s best player.
In Los Angeles, Diego Palacios entered in the 62nd minute; and for Inter, Dixon Arroyo entered in the 74th minute and Leonardo Campana in the 74th minute.
Young Albiceleste striker Facundo Farías opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Messi assisted goals from Spaniard Jordi Alba in the 51st and Ecuadorian Campana in the 83rd minute, while Ryan Hollingshead eased in for the home side in the 90th minute.
With this victory against the reigning MLS champions, Inter continues to progress towards their goal of reaching the North American league playoffs.
Inter, who were last in the standings before Messi’s arrival in July, are 14th in the Eastern Conference with 25 points, 8 out of the playoff qualification zone.
The last card is provisionally held by DC United, ninth with 33 points, who have played two more games than Inter.
Messi’s first game in Los Angeles (California) attracted a host of personalities, including Prince Harry and movie stars like Leonardo Di Caprio and music stars like Selena Gomez.
Led by Mexican Carlos Vela, LAFC started the game strongly and enjoyed very clean chances to progress on the scoreboard at the hands of Denis Bouanga.
The Gabonese striker missed two one-on-ones with goalkeeper Drake Callender and left Vela desperate for not assisting him when he was completely unmarked on the counter-attack.
Inter made him pay for his mistakes when young Argentine defender Tomás Avilés’ long-range shot fell to his compatriot Farías at the top of the box, whose cross caught goalkeeper John McCarthy by surprise.
In the second half, Inter ruled in two actions from Messi’s feet.
As in his best days at Barcelona, the Albiceleste captain pulled an assist out of the hat for Alba’s drive down the left wing, which the keeper fired home.
And when LAFC was turned over in Miami’s zone, Messi led a counterattack in which he allowed Campana to arrive, who he handled with a powerful cross and sealed the victory.
The home team barely managed to score an honorable goal in stoppage time with a powerful header from defender Ryan Hollingshead.
Inter remain unbeaten in 11 games since Messi’s debut, a period in which he lifted the Liga Cup, a joint tournament with the Mexican league. (D)
Source: Eluniverso
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
