Since the arrival of Lionel Messi in mid-July, Inter Miami has not only remained unbeaten but also demonstrated a marked improvement in their style and tactics.
The team showcased its finest performance on Sunday against the defending MLS Cup champions, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC).
A star-studded affair
Messi shined with two assists in a 3-1 victory, a win that not only delighted fans but also drew attention from celebrities like Prince Harry, LAFC co-owner Will Ferrell, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tyga, Selena Gomez, Owen Wilson, Mario Lopez and Edward Norton.
“Ted Lasso” stars Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunting also were at the game.
The match, viewed by a record-breaking 22,921 fans at LAFC’s BMO Stadium, has become one of the most in-demand games in the 27-year history of MLS.
Ticket prices soared 515 per cent to an average of $717 after Messi’s signing.
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Goals galore: Miami’s offense dominates
Facundo Farías, Jordi Alba, and Leonardo Campana scored for Miami, a team that now enjoys an 11-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
Ryan Hollingshead managed to score the lone goal for LAFC.
Tactical brilliance under Coach Martino
Miami’s coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, emphasizing that it was their best showing within a full 90-minute game this season.
The quality of the opponent made the win especially meaningful, signaling positive momentum for the team.
Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, both former teammates of Messi at Barcelona, are also finding their form in Miami.
Alba has scored twice since his arrival, while Busquets set up a brilliant assist for Messi that led to Alba’s goal.
LAFC’s defensive highlight
In a surprising moment, LAFC’s goalkeeper John McCarthy denied Messi a point-blank goal with a quick save, using his left foot.
While the save could not alter the outcome of the game, it left a memorable mark and gave McCarthy an anecdote to share—especially after securing Messi’s jersey post-match.
Upcoming games
Sunday’s game will be Messi’s last with Miami for at least two weeks, as he joins Argentina for World Cup qualifiers.
Coach Martino stressed the importance of players remaining fit during this period to continue their recent successful run.
