In the buildup surrounding LA Galaxy vs. Inter Miami, many spotlights were on David Beckham’s return to the club he spent five years with, winning two MLS Cups, and Lionel Messi’s lack of form since his Ballon d’Or victory over Erling Haaland. However, in this LA Galaxy vs. Inter Miami meeting, the Argentinian stepped up again for his team as he and Jordi Alba showcased their Barcelona genes and scored a brilliant team goal to salvage a point for the outplayed visitors. It was Lionel Messi’s first goal in six outings since their memorable 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal and his first goal in this new MLS season.
Related: Inter Miami 1-1 Newell’s Old Boys: Messi’s Sensational Reunion with His Childhood Club Ends a Draw
Overview of LA Galaxy vs. Inter Miami
LA Galaxy, a team notorious for signing high-profile veterans before Inter Miami took over the fold these past years, has rebuilt without any massive names for a chance this season. The decision paid off almost immediately as the young and energetic squad troubled the sluggish visitors from the first whistle in this LA Galaxy vs. Inter Miami tussle. After a one-sided opening 10 minutes, the hosts had the chance to open the scoring in this LA Galaxy vs. Inter Miami tie from the spot. However, former Barcelona player Ricard Puig flopped his attempt and squandered his chance under the watching eyes of his seniors.
Inter Miami did not fare any better after the save as LA Galaxy kept piling on more pressure, with Drake Callender palming Puig’s fierce effort onto the crossbar. With the young and revived squad pressuring the visitors, this LA Galaxy vs. Inter Miami match saw the home team register 24 overs against the visitors’ 11. As the tie neared the final quarters, the hosts’ relentless pursuit for an opener finally bore fruit as De Joveljic had a simple tap in after Callender could only parry his shot to the feet of Marco Delgado.
With sirens ringing for the visitors, the ever-reliable Lionel Messi again showed up in times of need as the Argentine equalised the match in stoppage time off a brilliant assist from longtime friend and former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba with some brilliant Barcelona chemistry. It is precisely this ability to make something from the worse that why the 27,642 in attendance, a record for a Galaxy regular-season match, turned up for LA Galaxy vs. Inter Miami to witness the best player of all time play.
He’s really keeping a relegation scrap team at the top of the table, while only having alba on his side . This is what I call a “Challenge”, Not joining the top teams in the country and winning titles. pic.twitter.com/XgS0x9t6VE
— 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐲 🎩 (@Shelby_Messi) February 26, 2024
Gerardo Martino Admitted LA Galaxy Outplayed His Team Despite Messi’s Heroics
In the post-match interview after the LA Galaxy vs. Inter Miami match, Inter Miami boss Gerardo Martino was far from a happy man as he stated his team were lacking against the young hosts. “We were outplayed in the first half. We could have gone into the dressing room a goal down. It’s true that in the first half, they did dominate the game. I think it was the period where Riqui Puig had the ball the most.”
As for what changed in the second half, Martino replied: “They scored on a counter-attack, but after that, we showed character. I feel that the team’s best moment came after the substitutions. It was the genius of Leo.” As for Callender’s performance, the Inter Miami gaffer stated: “It was thanks in large part to him that the team was still in the match after the first half. It’s something similar that happened in many games last year. He was decisive again, stopped the penalty, blocked some goal-scoring situations.”
On the other end of this LA Galaxy vs. Inter Miami encounter, Galaxy coach Greg Vanney had his say regarding the result. “When Messi and Alba connect like that, it’s ridiculous. It’s really, really difficult to defend, and Alba is very good at finding Messi when he gets on the move like that. Unfortunately, he just slipped away from us for a split second, and that became the difference.”
Also Consider: Lionel Messi on the Controversial Hong Kong Friendly in February 2024: “I Wanted to Participate.”
Taking a point back home +1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/WEhLGnAjq2
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 26, 2024
Inter Miami Has Glaring Weaknesses They Need to Remedy
Despite getting the old Barcelona band together for one last rodeo in the States, the squad has some glaring weaknesses, as displayed in this LA Galaxy vs. Inter Miami match. Firstly, they essentially defend 9-on-11. For example, the fullbacks and midfielders regularly make aggressive runs that leave ageing legs, such as Sergio Busquets, exposed.
Secondly, overreliance on Messi and Callender to bail them out every time will not work in the long run, as the only reason this LA Galaxy vs. Inter Miami tie was a draw was because of the host’s imprecision in front of the goal. For context, the final expected goal tally was Galaxy 3.8 and Miami 0.9.
Nevertheless, Inter Miami will have a shot in every match as long as Lionel Messi is on the pitch, as there is always enough time for a Messi moment. To follow Inter Miami’s journey in the MLS, follow AsiaSport for the latest news and coverage of your favourite team and players on this all-in-one platform.
