Inter Miami missed out on a six-point start to the new MLS season. Lionel Messi rescued a point late on against Los Angeles Galaxy. Sandro Schwarz’ team remained goalless in the opener
With a lot of luck, Inter Miami avoided their first defeat in their second appearance of the new MLS season. Three days after the 2-0 home win in the opener against Real Salt Lake, Lionel Messi rescued a 1-1 draw for his side in stoppage time on Monday night (CET).
After the hosts had initially been awarded a penalty by Sergio Busquets in a dominant but goalless first half – goalkeeper Drake Callender saved from long-time Barca professional Riqui Puig (13′) – it was Dejan Joveljic who put L.A. ahead. The 24-year-old Serbian, who had been under contract with Eintracht Frankfurt between 2019 and 2021 but had failed to make the grade, slotted home after Marco Delgado’s cross – the latter had reacted quickly after Callender’s long-range shot was deflected to the side (75′).
Because Delgado picked up a yellow card in the 87th minute, Inter played the final minutes in superior numbers and knew how to take advantage. In the third minute of stoppage time, Messi stooped to meet Jordi Alba’s low cross in the penalty area and smash home his first goal of the season
Gressel: “It could have gone either way “
“That wasn’t an easy game, it could have turned out differently. Especially with the penalty and the good chances in the first half. That’s why it’s a bit lucky that we’re still 1:1. But individual quality makes a difference,” Messi’s new team-mate Julian Gressel, who was once again in the starting eleven, told the German Press Agency. “It’s not easy to play in this league, on a Wednesday in Florida and then three days later on the other side of the continent after a six-hour flight.” After the double shift, Inter do not play again until Saturday (22:30 CET) at home against Orlando City.
Sandro Schwarz also had to settle for a draw on his MLS debut as the new coach of the New York Red Bulls. The team led by ex-Leipzig native Emil Forsberg drew 0-0 at Nashville SC, who, like the Red Bulls, were eliminated in the first play-off round in the previous season.
