Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi, settled for a 1-1 draw against New York City FC on Saturday after conceding a last-minute goal from James Sands. The equalizer came in the 95th minute, following a header from a corner kick, just as Inter Miami was close to securing victory after Ecuadorian Leonardo Campana had put them ahead in the 75th minute.
With a strong presence of Messi fans and a vibrant atmosphere at Yankee Stadium, Inter Miami, coached by Gerardo Martino, struggled to produce an impressive performance but remains at the top of the Eastern Conference with 64 points, solidifying its position as a contender for the MLS Supporters’ Shield.
The Florida team arrived in New York with most of its stars, except for Sergio Busquets and Diego Gómez. Alongside Messi, Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba were also in the starting lineup.
New York City, after suffering three losses and five draws in their previous eight MLS matches, including a painful 1-5 defeat to Philadelphia Union last Wednesday, started the game determined to change their fortunes. Santi Rodríguez of Uruguay was particularly sharp early on, first with a cross-shot and then with a free kick that hit the post.
Inter Miami had a slow start to the match, only coming into the game with a Messi free kick that grazed the crossbar. Though the pink-clad team struggled to find its rhythm, they began to shine around the middle of the first half. Messi nearly scored a direct free kick, while Suárez’s shot that looked set to find the net was inadvertently blocked by teammate Robert Taylor.
Both teams maintained a solid defensive focus, particularly New York City, which worked hard to neutralize Messi, leading to a goalless first half.
The second half saw Keaton Parks, one of New York City’s standout players, squander a golden opportunity following a significant error by Ian Fray, while Alonso Martínez also looked to score from outside the area. New York City opened the second half with the same intensity as the first.
Conversely, Inter Miami appeared sluggish, lacking attacking urgency, with Messi and Suárez failing to find their form, which left gaps in their defense. Despite New York City’s advantage, they continued to miss key opportunities, as Hannes Wolf failed to convert another chance in the 61st minute.
The match took a turn for Miami as referee Jon Freemon issued four yellow cards to the visitors within five minutes, including cautions for Suárez and Alba and the dismissal of one of Martino’s assistants for protesting.
Just when it seemed the game would end in a draw, a brilliant connection between Messi and Jordi Alba on the left side set up Campana’s goal in the 75th minute, giving Inter Miami a 1-0 lead. New York City struggled to recover from the setback and missed several clear chances, notably a crucial opportunity for Rodríguez in the 87th minute.
When it seemed that Inter Miami would secure all three points, Sands rose up and scored a fantastic header, salvaging a point for New York City in the final moments of the match.
Technical Details:
New York City: Matt Freese; Tayvon Gray (Mitja Ilenic, 81); Thiago Martins, Strahinja Tanasijevic, Kevin O’Toole (Christian McFarlane, 88); James Sands, Keaton Parks (Andrés Perea, 81); Hannes Wolf (Julián Fernández, 88), Maxi Moralez, Santi Rodríguez; Alonso Martínez (Monsef Makrar, 81).
Coach: Nick Cushing
Inter Miami: Drake Callender; Ian Fray, Tomás Avilés, Noah Allen (Sergii Kryvstov, 94), Jordi Alba; Julian Gressel (Benjamin Cremaschi, 81), Federico Redondo, Yannick Bright, Robert Taylor (Leonardo Campana, 72); Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi.
Coach: Gerardo Martino
Goals: 0-1, 75: Campana; 1-1, 95: Sands.
Referee: Jon Freemon. He issued yellow cards to Tanasijevic, Rodríguez, Parks, and Moralez for New York City, and to Fray, Alba, Avilés, Allen, and Suárez for Inter Miami.
Incidents: Match of MLS Matchday 34 held at Yankee Stadium in New York.