Successful revenge for Inter Miami. After losing the Leagues Cup final, Messi & Co. defeated the Seattle Sounders in the league game. Messi also enjoyed a personal success.
Around two weeks after missing out on the title, Miami won the MLS duel with the Sounders 3-1 (2-0). The 38-year-old Messi, who had recently missed a Panenka penalty in the defeat in Charlotte, set up the opening goal by Jordi Alba (12th minute) and scored the second goal himself (41st minute) – it was Messi’s 20th goal of the season (2nd place in the MLS scoring list behind Sam Surridge). Ian Fray (52′) added another after the break, while Obed Vargas (69′) scored a consolation goal for Seattle.
The Sounders had won the League Cup final 3-0. After the game, there were disturbances in which Inter striker Luis Suarez spat at a member of the Seattle coaching staff. The Uruguayan, who apologized afterwards, was suspended for the rematch with Seattle.
Silvetti debut – New fifth place in the table
Inter Miami, for whom new signing Matteo Silvetti (from Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina) made his debut, are fifth in the Eastern Conference (49 points), but have played three games fewer than leaders Philadelphia Union (57). “It was important that we felt good and got the win against a big rival who took away our chance at a trophy a few weeks ago,” said Miami coach Javier Mascherano: “We took it in the best possible way and played the game we had to play.”
Seattle is in fourth place in the West, seven points behind third-placed Vancouver Whitecaps, who were successful in the Canadian Cup semi-final last night without Thomas Müller.
Miami’s MLS campaign continues on Sunday night with a home game against US capital club DC United.
