Coach Tata Martino kept the starting lineup from Inter Miami’s 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake on the opening day of the MLS tournament, with the “foursome” Messi , Suarez, Busquets and Jordi Alba all starting from the start in the match against LA. Galaxy.
A lot of fans came to the stadium to watch Messi
A fan gave a banner and sold his car to buy tickets to watch a match with Messi
The match took place at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson City, California (USA) with a capacity of 27,000 seats filled with spectators. Many Hollywood stars such as actress Halle Berry, tennis player Novak Djokovic and NFL (American professional football) stars came to watch the match.
According to the Daily Mail (UK): “A fan spent up to 790,000 USD to buy tickets to watch this match, with Messi and famous teammates committed to playing. This is an expensive ticket price. The most expensive in history, and the most expensive in MLS ever.”
The heat of the match was also increased with the appearance of former player David Beckham, former player of LA Galaxy, currently President and co-owner of Inter Miami Club. Not to mention, fans appeared on the field holding banners with a message that caused a stir on social networks : “I sold my car to buy tickets to see Messi, Suarez, Busi (Busquets), Alba. Please donate. give me your jersey”.
Djokovic (middle) came to watch and take photos with famous actors and athletes in the US
Djokovic is currently the number 1 tennis player in the world
Before the home team LA Galaxy played very determinedly, Messi and his Inter Miami teammates faced many difficulties throughout the first half. They almost took the lead in the 13th minute, after Busquets fouled player Joseph Paintsil (LA Galaxy) in forbidden circle. But LA Galaxy star Riqui Puig missed the penalty and missed the opportunity to score.
In attack, Messi and Suarez played quite out of place due to being tightly marked and separated by the LA Galaxy defense. In the second half, Inter Miami regained its familiar pace of play, putting pressure on the home team with a series of scoring opportunities.
Messi continued to make a difference in Inter Miami’s play, but Suarez had a disappointing day. The veteran Uruguayan striker was replaced by coach Tata Martino to play striker Campana in the 67th minute.
Messi (left) competes with former teammate Riqui Puig during the match
In the 75th minute, LA Galaxy had a quick counterattack and scored the opening goal of the match by player Joveljic. After the defeat, Messi and his Inter Miami teammates played harder. But it wasn’t until extra time that Messi realized his chances with a 1-1 equalizer from a close-range shot after an assist from Jordi Alba.
This is also Messi’s first goal in the 2024 MLS season, after assisting the goal in the opening match against Real Salt Lake 2-0. With 1 win and 1 draw, Inter Miami temporarily topped the MLS Eastern region table with 4 points.
