In a thrilling encounter at Saputo Stadium in Montreal, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami showcased their resilience and determination by overcoming a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-2 victory against CF Montreal on Saturday night. The win marked a significant milestone for the franchise, as it was the first time in their four-year history that Inter Miami had won five consecutive matches.
Messi, the Argentine superstar, had an uncharacteristically quiet night by his lofty standards. He was held scoreless and without an assist, ending his impressive streak of eight straight games with multiple goal contributions. Furthermore, he relinquished the MLS scoring lead to his teammate, Luis Suárez, who found the back of the net once again.
Despite the lack of goals or assists, Messi’s presence on the pitch still had a profound impact on the game. His every touch was met with roars of excitement from the crowd, and his movement off the ball created space for his teammates to exploit. However, there was a moment of concern for Messi and Inter Miami fans just before halftime.
Injury Scare and Controversial MLS Rule
In the 40th minute, Messi extended his left leg to control a pass, only to be met by the momentum of Montreal’s George Campbell, who collided with the Argentine. Messi spent several minutes on the ground, clutching his left knee and receiving medical attention from the trainers.
After being evaluated, Messi gingerly walked to the sideline, visibly frustrated by the incident and the subsequent events that followed. Due to a new MLS rule implemented this season, Messi was forced to wait for two minutes before being allowed to re-enter the game at the next stoppage in play.
Cameras captured Messi’s disgust with the rule, as he was heard saying, “With this kind of rule, we’re headed in the wrong direction.” The incident highlighted the potential risks associated with the new regulation and raised questions about its effectiveness in ensuring player safety.
Inter Miami’s Resilient Comeback
Despite the setback of Messi’s temporary absence and the two-goal deficit they faced, Inter Miami displayed incredible character and determination to mount a stunning comeback. The catalyst for their resurgence was Matias Rojas, who had joined the club just three matches ago.
Rojas, who had already scored two goals in his previous two appearances for Inter Miami, stepped up to the plate once again. In the 44th minute, with Messi watching from the sideline, Rojas unleashed a sublime free-kick that curled into the top corner, reducing the deficit to 2-1. His strike not only gave Inter Miami a lifeline but also showcased the depth and quality of the team’s attacking options.
Just a minute later, in first-half stoppage time, Luis Suárez delivered the equalizer. The Uruguayan striker, who had scored a hat-trick in the previous match, continued his rich vein of form by converting a corner kick, leveling the score at 2-2. Suárez’s goal was his 11th of the season, propelling him to the top of the MLS scoring charts alongside Real Salt Lake’s Chicho Arango and D.C. United’s Christian Benteke.
The second half saw Inter Miami maintain their momentum, and they were rewarded for their efforts in the 58th minute. Benjamin Cremaschi, a young midfielder with immense potential, scored what would prove to be the winning goal. Messi played a role in the build-up, finding Rojas with a precise pass. Rojas then spotted Cremaschi in space in the middle of the field, and the youngster made no mistake, firing the ball into the back of the net to complete the remarkable turnaround.
Messi’s Late Chances and Free Kicks
Although Messi was unable to add to his goal tally on the night, he still had a few opportunities to showcase his magic. He had two free-kick attempts that sailed just over the crossbar, missing the necessary bend to find the target. In the 91st minute, Messi charged towards the Montreal goal, but his shot was blocked by a resolute defense.
Messi’s best chance came in the 84th minute when he attempted to score with his right foot, but the linesman’s flag was raised for offside, denying him the opportunity to extend Inter Miami’s lead.
CF Montreal’s Early Dominance and Missed Opportunities
CF Montreal had started the match brightly, taking a two-goal lead through strikes from Bryce Duke in the 22nd minute and Jules-Anthony Vilsaint in the 32nd minute. Duke’s goal was a well-placed left-footed shot that evaded the reach of Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender, while Vilsaint’s effort was equally impressive, showcasing his skill as a young forward who had grown up in Montreal.
However, despite their early advantage, Montreal was unable to capitalize on several late chances to find an equalizer. Dominic Iankov (69′), Joaquín Sosa (74′), and Joel Waterman (95′) all had opportunities to score, but their efforts were thwarted by a combination of resolute defense and a lack of clinical finishing.
Implications for Upcoming Matches and Copa America
The victory over CF Montreal was a crucial one for Inter Miami, as they face a demanding schedule in the coming days. With three matches in the span of eight days, including away trips to Orlando City on Wednesday and D.C. United the following Saturday, squad rotation and player management will be key factors for head coach Tata Martino.
Of particular concern will be the fitness and availability of Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar is not only vital to Inter Miami’s success but is also expected to play a pivotal role for his country in the upcoming Copa America tournament. Ensuring Messi’s well-being and avoiding any potential injuries will be a top priority for both the club and the country.
Martino expressed his dissatisfaction with the new MLS rule that forced Messi to wait on the sidelines after receiving treatment for the tackle by Campbell. “With this rule change, there are situations that need to be reviewed,” Martino stated in the post-match press conference. “For me, the infraction was clear. It was a yellow card, and in the end, we were the ones who lost Leo for two minutes.”
The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of the new regulation and whether it genuinely enhances player safety or unnecessarily disrupts the flow of the game. As the MLS season progresses, it is likely that this rule will come under further scrutiny, and adjustments may be necessary to strike the right balance between player welfare and the spectacle of the sport.
Looking Ahead
As Inter Miami continues their impressive run of form, fans and pundits alike will be closely monitoring the team’s progress and Lionel Messi’s contributions. The Argentine maestro’s presence has undoubtedly elevated the profile of the franchise and brought a new level of excitement to the MLS.
However, as the victory against CF Montreal demonstrated, Inter Miami is far from a one-man team. The performances of players like Luis Suárez, Matias Rojas, and Benjamin Cremaschi highlight the depth and quality of the squad, and their ability to step up in crucial moments bodes well for the team’s future.
With the Copa America on the horizon and the MLS season in full swing, the coming weeks will be crucial for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. Balancing the demands of club and country will be a delicate task, but if Messi can stay fit and firing, there is no telling what heights this Inter Miami team can reach.
As fans eagerly await the next chapter in Lionel Messi’s American adventure, one thing is certain: the world will be watching, and the excitement surrounding Inter Miami shows no signs of abating. With Messi leading the charge and a talented supporting cast around him, the future looks bright for this ambitious MLS franchise.
The Information is Taken from USA Today and Yahoo.
