Lionel Messi played a pivotal role in both goals as Inter Miami secured a victory over Real Salt Lake in the Major League Soccer’s season opener on Wednesday.
The Argentina forward assisted Robert Taylor for the first goal, with the midfielder’s shot finding the net in the first half. Messi also contributed to Miami’s late second goal, scored by Diego Gomez. Notably, he showcased a strong connection with former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez, who made his MLS debut and registered an assist.
Miami coach Gerardo Martino commented on Messi’s performance, stating, “He looked loose, fine, and showed a lot of speed.”
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Messi, a 2022 World Cup winner, missed the latter part of the previous season for David Beckham’s MLS franchise due to injury. Earlier this week, Messi released a video addressing his absence from a friendly in Hong Kong on February 5, responding to criticism from Chinese fans.
Line-ups:
Inter Miami CF Formation 4-3-3
1 Callender
2 Yedlin
6 Avilés (Substituted for Allen at 77′)
27 Kryvtsov
18 Alba
24 Gressel (Substituted for Mota Oliveira de Sousa at 77′)
5 Busquets (Substituted for Sunderland at 84′)
20 Gómez (Booked at 68′)
10 Messi
9 Suárez (Substituted for Campana at 90′)
16 Taylor (Substituted for Ruíz at 76′)
Substitutes:
7 Mota Oliveira de Sousa
8 Campana
15 Sailor
29 dos Santos
32 Allen
41 Ruíz
43 Sunderland
49 Borgelin
62 Boatwright
Real Salt Lake Formation 4-2-3-1
18 MacMath
14 Eneli
15 Glad
4 Vera
2 Brody
6 Ojeda
13 Palacio (Substituted for Barajas at 66′)
11 Gómez (Substituted for Julio at 66′)
7 Ruiz (Booked at 15′)
8 Luna (Substituted for Caliskan at 73′)
9 Arango (Substituted for Hidalgo at 86′)
Substitutes:
3 Oviedo
16 Chang
17 Barajas
19 Hidalgo
20 Holt
29 Julio
30 Silva
35 Beavers
92 Caliskan
Referee: Cristian Campo
Attendance: 21,137