Abhay Singh
Superstar Lionel Messi, widely considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, will lead Inter Miami FC on Saturday afternoon as they continue their determined quest for the Supporters’ Shield.
The team’s visit to the iconic Yankee Stadium to face the struggling New York City FC presents an important opportunity for Messi and his teammates to showcase their skills and determination in the pursuit of this prestigious accolade.
Messi’s second match in his return was not as productive as his first
Messi did not have the same kind of game in his second game back from injury. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner watched his team give up a late equalizer in a 2-2 tie against Atlanta United on Wednesday, after a two-goal, one-assist performance in Miami’s 3-1 triumph over the Philadelphia Union last Saturday.
On Wednesday, Luis Suarez (17 goals, 6 assists) and Lionel Messi (14 goals, 14 assists) were brought off the bench. On March 30, Suarez scored the only goal for his club in a 1-1 draw with NYCFC.
Against Atlanta, David Ruiz scored his first goal of the year in the first half. In the second game, Leo Campana scored his 30th career goal in all competitions, a franchise-best total.
The Herons (19-4-6, 63 points) are eight points ahead of FC Cincinnati and the Los Angeles Galaxy in the race for the most points in Major League Soccer.
“I think the young players did a good job,”
Due to a string of yellow cards, midfielder Sergio Busquets and Miami manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino were both suspended for the game.
Assistant coach Javier Morales said “I think the young players did a good job, It’s not easy after not playing a lot to be thrown on the field from one day to the next.”
NYCFC lost 5-1 to the Union on Wednesday, extending their winless streak to eight games.
NYCFC coach Nick Cushing said “Like I said before, if we were being outplayed or on our backs against teams, then I would sit here and say, ‘I’m worried about the postseason,’”
He also added “However, I’ve seen enough this season and enough within these games that gives me complete confidence that we’ll get back to winning ways and continue to win football matches.”
The only goal for NYCFC was scored by Alonso Martinez. He scored for NYCFC against Miami in the previous match.
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