MESSI STOPPAGE-TIME GOAL RESCUES DRAW FROM JAWS OF DEFEAT

INTER MIAMI

CARSON, Calif. - LA and Miami came out in force tonight as a Jordi Alba-Lionel Messi connection earned a stoppage-time goal to finish a 1-1 draw Sunday night before a sold-out crowd of 27,642 at Dignity Health Sports Park. 

LA Galaxy created numerous chances in the first half, an effort marred by Drake Callender saves for Inter Miami including a stopped Riqui Puig PK. Both teams grew frustrated between the whistles and yellow cards as they battled back for their own broken passes. Sergio Busquets found himself fighting the Galaxy on both sides of the ball, earning a yellow halfway through the first half. 

LA’s new signings showed out for their Galaxy debuts, but it was Dejan Joveljic’s 75’ tap-in goal that finally ended Callender’s clean sheet.

Miami fought back to control possession for the remainder of the match, capping it off with Messi’s shot to the back of the net at 90+2’ to level the game. It’s safe to say the fans got their money’s worth of action from their respective teams tonight… and from the GOAT himself. 

The league should be on Galaxy-watch now, as they pushed pace and neutralized Miami’s stars for the majority of the match, but Messi has made his mark with his first goal of 2024. The Western and Eastern Conferences have their work cut out for them. 

MLS Season Pass commentators continue to comment on the officiating by PRO’s replacement referees, as MLS referee organization PSRA is still on strike demanding better compensation. The late LA Galaxy red card is already the subject of social media controversy. 

Inter Miami faces Orlando City SC Saturday.