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February 26, 2024
Lionel Messi delivered a dramatic injury-time equalizer to salvage a crucial point for Inter Miami in their second match of the 2024 Major League Soccer season. The 36-year-old legend, set to turn 37 in June, once again proved his worth with a moment of brilliance that left fans in awe.
Messi’s stunning goal came after a brilliant sequence of play with his former Barcelona teammate, Jordi Alba. When the ball was recovered 40 yards from the goal, Messi orchestrated a slick exchange of passes with Alba before calmly slotting the ball past LA Galaxy goalkeeper
John McCarthy. This goal was particularly significant as it came at a time when Inter Miami was struggling to break down a resilient LA Galaxy defense, and it ultimately secured a crucial point for the team.
The goal leveled the match at 1-1, canceling Dejan Joveljic’s opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in California. Among those watching from the stands was Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham, who seemed hesitant to celebrate Messi’s heroics against his former club, where he played from 2007 to 2012.
How many times have we witnessed the lethal combination of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba over the years? Even in their mid-30s, the former Barcelona duo wreak havoc on opposing defenses. Messi’s injury-time equalizer against LA Galaxy was another testament to their enduring chemistry.
LA Galaxy were down to 10 men shortly before Messi’s goal, with Marco Delgado receiving a controversial second yellow card. Inter Miami quickly took advantage of their numerical superiority, with Messi delivering the decisive blow. The 1-1 draw, thanks to Messi’s equalizer, keeps Inter Miami atop the MLS Eastern Conference, with four points from their first two matches, following last week’s 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake. This goal secured a point for the team and helped maintain their position at the top of the league.
A viral clip from that Real Salt Lake match showed Messi effortlessly chipping the ball over an injured opponent, a reminder that despite nearing the World Cup winner in the latter stages of his career, he is still capable of breathtaking moments.
With his equalizer against the LA Galaxy, Lionel Messi has scored a goal every calendar year for the past 20 years, a streak that began in 2005 during his breakout season at Barcelona. It’s a remarkable feat that underscores his enduring brilliance and longevity in the game.
As Messi continues to defy time, it’s hard to imagine we’ll ever witness another player of his caliber once he eventually retires—though many said the same about the legendary Diego Maradona. This emphasis on Messi’s enduring brilliance and longevity in the game will leave the audience feeling amazed and appreciative of his talent.
In just 16 appearances since joining Inter Miami last summer, Lionel Messi has netted 12 goals, already placing him as the club’s joint-third all-time top scorer. With this impressive record, it seems inevitable that Messi will claim the title of Inter Miami’s leading goalscorer—possibly as soon as this year. This potential milestone is a source of excitement and hope for the fans, as it would further solidify Messi’s legacy at the club.
| Player | Goals |
| Gonzalo Higuain | 29 |
| Leonardo Campana | 23 |
| Josef Martinez | 12 |
| Robert Taylor | 12 |
| Lionel Messi | 12 |
Messi’s primary focus will be guiding Inter Miami to a strong finish in the league. With Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets by his side, the expectation is high for Inter Miami to dominate their opponents this season and make a serious push for success. The pressure is on, but this star-studded lineup makes the team well-equipped to rise to the challenge.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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