In a high-scoring match, the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami drew 3-3. This means that Lionel Messi’s team has now gone two games without a win. The superstar was frustrated after the final whistle.
After Inter Miami managed to end a three-game losing streak on matchday 11 against the New York Red Bulls (4-1), coach Javier Mascherano’s team is now facing another run of poor results. Following a heavy 4-1 defeat at Minnesota United, Messi’s team could only manage a 3-3 draw at San Jose Earthquakes on Thursday.
In San Jose, it initially looked like a dream start for the team, which had made two changes to its lineup: Jordi Alba’s cross was converted by Falcon after 34 seconds to give his side the lead. However, the equalizer came in the second minute of the game when goalkeeper Ustari played the ball straight to Espinoza, who laid it off to Arango. In the 36th minute, Miami’s goalkeeper was caught out again when he failed to stop a long-range shot from Leroux into the corner of the net.
Once again, it was Jordi Alba who set up the equalizer in the 44th minute, with Allende only having to tap the ball in. But San Jose struck back immediately with a long-range shot from Harkes in the 45+4th minute. The hosts went into the break with a 3-2 lead.
Miami equalizes
In the second half, Miami responded with Messi. After a pass from the 37-year-old, Gallego played a through ball in front of goal in the 52nd minute, which Allende converted to make it 3-3 and the final score. Shortly before and after the final whistle, things got heated when La Pulga went down at the edge of the penalty area after a supposed foul by Munie. However, referee Joe Dickersen did not award a penalty.
It was a decision that prompted the former world footballer to seek out the referee for a discussion several times after the final whistle. As the camera footage showed, Dickersen repeatedly told Messi to “go away now” and leave it at that, before showing him a yellow card and even threatening him with a red.
In the table, Miami has slipped to fifth place in the Eastern Conference with twelve games played so far. The Argentine’s team will be looking to avoid a third consecutive winless game when they host Orlando City at Chase Stadium on Sunday (local time).
