Football

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami visit struggling NYCFC

September 21, 2024 6:30 am

[Source: Reuters]

Superstar Lionel Messi and Inter Miami FC will continue the team’s pursuit of the Supporters’ Shield on Saturday afternoon when they visit struggling New York City FC at Yankee Stadium.

Messi’s second match in his return to action from injury was not as productive as his first. The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient followed up a two-goal, one-assist performance in Miami’s 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union last Saturday by seeing his side allow a late equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United on Wednesday.

Messi and Luis Suarez came off the bench as substitutes on Wednesday. Suarez scored his team’s lone goal in a 1-1 draw against NYCFC on March 30.

Article continues after advertisement

David Ruiz scored his first goal in the first half against Atlanta. Leo Campana added his franchise-best 30th career tally across all competitions in the second for the Herons who are eight points up on both FC Cincinnati and the Los Angeles Galaxy in the race for the most points in MLS.

Miami manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino and midfielder Sergio Busquets were suspended for that match for accumulation of yellow cards.

NYCFC saw their winless stretch extend to eight matches following a 5-1 setback to the Union on Wednesday.

Alonso Martinez scored the lone goal for NYCFC. He also tallied for NYCFC in the previous encounter versus Miami.