Inter Miami defeats LA Galaxy 3-1 with Messi

FORT LAUDERDALE: Inter Miami secured a 3-1 win over LA Galaxy at Chase Stadium on Saturday, with contributions primarily from Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.

Messi returned from a minor muscle injury and entered the match as a second-half substitute. He scored his team’s second goal in the 84th minute with a powerful left-foot strike from outside the penalty area that put Miami ahead.

Messi’s involvement was vital despite playing only 45 minutes, including creating several scorning opportunities and taking multiple shots.

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Jordi Alba opened the scoring for Miami in the 43rd minute. He received a precise through ball and cut through the Galaxy defence before placing a finish near the goalkeeper’s near post. The early goal provided Miami with a lead going into halftime.

The Galaxy responded in the 59th minute when Joseph Paintsil scored from a difficult angle following a defensive lapse. Paintsil’s goal briefly levelled the score for LA Galaxy, but Inter Miami controlled much of the remainder of the match.

Luis Suarez scored the final goal for Miami, his sixth in the Major League Soccer regular season.

In the net, Miami’s Oscar Ustari made several saves to preserve the lead but conceded a goal on a shot directed at the near post. Questions remain about his positioning, with some observers noting similar issues in recent matches.

Backup goalkeepers have recently left the club, putting added responsibility on Ustari.

Following the win, Inter Miami moved up to fourth place in the MLS Eastern Conference, recording 45 points from 24 matches. The Galaxy remain near the bottom of the Western Conference standings with 16 points over 26 matches.

Inter Miami created 28 shots across the match compared five by LA Galaxy and earned 13 corner kicks. Possession was relatively balanced, but Miami’s ability to generate high-quality chances was evident.

The match featured a lineup that included experienced players and young talent. Defneders Marcelo Weigandt, Gonzalo Lujian, Maximiliano Falcon and Jordi Alba formed the back four, supported by midfielders Sergio Busquets and Benjamin Cremaschi.

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Attacking efforts were headed by Luis Suarez, with support from Telasco Segovia, Fafa Picault and Tadeo Allende.

Messi’s return adds an edge to Inter Miami as they prepare for their upcoming Leagues Cup quarterfinal against Tigres UANL scheduled for Wednesday.