Inter Miami earned an important 2-3 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, with Lionel Messi scoring twice, in Angel Guillermo Hoyos’ debut on the bench, days after the abrupt departure of Javier Mascherano.
The ‘Herons’ made the most of their chances, capitalized on Colorado’s mistakes and had a brilliant performance from Messi, despite being overwhelmed at times.
Messi leads the way as Miami strikes first
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Hoyos’ men took the lead thanks to a penalty that was awarded after Colorado lost the ball in their own area.
The referee had to check the VAR. Messi converted it low and down the middle for 0-1 in the 18th minute.
Inter got their second just before halftime when German Berterame headed in Mateo Silvetti’s cross.
In a play originated by another Colorado loss in their own field.
Berterame also took advantage of a false start by home goalkeeper Zack Steffen to beat him.
The blow on the verge of halftime did not discourage the Colorado Rapids, who maintained their dominance at the start of the second half (Filed as: Messi gives Hoyos victory in his Inter Miami debut).
Unsuccessful comeback
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Their perseverance was rewarded in the 58th minute, when Brazil’s Rafael Navarro broke through unchallenged from his own half.
He overlapped Micael to get into the box and beat Dayne St. Clair.
Four minutes later came the equalizer, with Lucas Herrington’s pass into space virtually from inside his own box to Darren Yapi, who out-rushed St. Clair.
Just when it looked like the Colorado Rapids were going to turn the game around, in what would have been a crushing blow for Messi and company, the ‘Herons relied on the Argentine genius.
He took advantage of the first ball into space he had to make the final score 2-3.
It was a goal from the top corner by Steffen, impossible for the goalkeeper to stop (Filed under: Messi gives Hoyos victory in his debut with Inter Miami).
Messi reaches MLS top scorer summit
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The 'Herons' took advantage of their chances
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With his brace in Colorado, Messi now has seven MLS goals to his name, equaling Sam Surridge and Peter Musa as the league’s top scorers.
And the three points put Inter provisionally second in the East with 15 points, one behind Nashville.
The match, played at Empower Field in Denver, Colorado, drew 75,824 spectators, the second-highest attendance in MLS history.
Only behind a derby between LAFC and LA Galaxy in 2023 that drew more than 82,000 people.
With information from EFE
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