MLS
Messi saves Miami with an equalizer: a draw in Los Angeles
Lionel Messi equalized in the second minute of added time. photo
© Kyusung Gong/AP/dpa
In the second MLS game of the season, Inter Miami was once again unable to convince. With his equalizing goal, Lionel Messi just avoided a defeat in Los Angeles.
In the 11th minute, Ricard Puig missed a penalty kick caused by Sergio Busquets, and Drak Callender in the Inter goal made a strong save. In the end, Dejan Joveljic’s goal to make it 1-0 in the 75th minute was not enough for Galaxy, who conceded the equalizer when they were outnumbered after the yellow-red card for Mark Delgado (87th).
“It wasn’t an easy game, it could have ended differently. Especially with the penalty and the good chances in the first half. So it’s a bit lucky that we’re still playing 1-1,” said Franke Julian, who was born in Miami and plays for Miami Gressel of the German Press Agency. “But the individual quality makes a bit of a difference. It’s not easy to play in this league, on a Wednesday in Florida and then three days later after a six-hour flight on the other side of the continent.” Gressel is now a US citizen and national player.
Miami, with a total of four former FC Barcelona professionals, had a few small chances in the second half, but did not deserve the point. Against Inter co-owner David Beckham’s former team, Messi’s best scene until he scored was a long-range shot in the 59th minute.