Inter Miami started the match with determination. They want to regain their winning inspiration after a shocking 1-3 defeat against Atlanta United. The home team retained the ball and tried to create opportunities thanks to the disruptive ability of two creative midfielders, Messi and Rojas.
Miami’s players coordinated well but were unable to make accurate passes in the opponent’s third of the field. Meanwhile, on defense, they remain confused.
And in the 15th minute, this club had to pay the price. St. Louis gets a corner kick. The ball passed inside to Durkin. In an unmarked position, Durkin scored the first goal by turning and shooting as hard as a needle.
Minute 25, the score is 1-1. Messi is the one who scored. Facing three St. Louis defenders. Louis calmly passed the ball to Alba to run. Alba found Messi with a pass just within reach. In a comfortable position, the Argentine player unleashed a curling shot with his left foot to equalize for Miami.
In the following minutes, the game repeated the Miami scenario of letting the opponent take the lead while the offense struggled to “correct” the defense.
In the 41st minute, Vassilev took the ball quickly on the right wing without anyone marking him. He kicked low and sent the ball straight into the goal. Goalkeeper Callender failed to close the near corner, making Inter Miami pay the price.
At the beginning of the second half, Luis Suárez equalized for Miami with an easy shot from 2 meters away. But in the 68th minute they let the rival take the lead. In a corner kick situation, a player in a white shirt flew in and headed the ball back, leaving the entire Miami defense stunned.
With nothing to lose, Inter Miami attacked wildly in the remaining time. In the 85th minute they achieved it. From a ball from Messi, Alba took the opportunity to run down and face the goalkeeper. He calmly put the ball into the corner of the net.
The VAR intervened but the goal was recognized. The score was settled at 3-3 based on the scenario in which Inter Miami defended sloppily, took the lead and Messi diligently helped his teammates to level the score.
The last game did not satisfy Miami, but it helped Messi set a record. He became the fastest player to score 25 goals (12 goals, 13 assists) in MLS history. Messi only lost 12 games, surpassing Carlos Vela’s record of 16 games and Messi’s record will almost certainly stand the test of time.