Messi spares woeful Inter Miami's blushes on Beckham's special return
Lionel Messi scored in the 92nd minute to rescue an away point for Inter Miami against LA Galaxy.
Miami were dreadful for much of the encounter and, despite enjoying the lion's share of possession, were utterly dominated by their opposition. It will give David Beckham, who returned to his former club to watch the MLS game, much food for thought.
A leggy-looking Sergio Busquets gave away a penalty after 11 minutes with a sloppy challenge. Thankfully for the Spaniard, his former Barcelona teammate Riqui Puig was denied by a brilliant Drake Callender save.
The 26-year-old, who looked so shaky during Miami's winning Leagues Cup run last season, then denied Puig again just before the half-hour mark. The LA Galaxy forward, once dubbed as the 'next Messi', struck the ball fiercely towards Callender's top right corner, only for the shot-stopper to match his effort with a fine save.
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Messi and Luis Suarez, who both started in the unconvincing win over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, failed to threaten their opposition and get a hold of the game. Suarez in particular still looked tired from the midweek clash.
LA Galaxy struck the post in the 66th minute and it was at this point Tata Martino had seen enough. The Argentine hooked Luis Suarez in the 68th minute after a largely ineffectual performance.
Miami looked like they might escape with a goalless draw until Dejan Joveljic struck in the 75th minute. The forward, seen as Javier Herndandez's heir at the club, scored a simple tap-in thanks to Marco Delgado's pass.
Messi and Alba link up well for the equaliser (AFP via Getty Images)But the man who assisted Galaxy's goal soon went from hero to villain. Delgado was given a second yellow in the 88th minute and promptly given his marching orders.
Miami added on the pressure in the game's closing minutes and eventually prevailed. Messi and Jordi Alba exchanged a series of precise passes which ended with the World Cup winner prodding home an equaliser.
Miami will be grateful for the point but their overall performance will be a real concern for Martino. The fact this was LA Galaxy's first match of the season, just days after Miami played against Real Salt Lake, may be a factor.
David Beckham and Brooklyn Beckham attended the game (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)Suarez's obvious sluggishness is another worry. Prior to joining Miami, the Uruguayan confessed to being in a lot of pain from playing football. The striker said taking steps in the morning was a struggle and that he can't even play football with his son.
The fact he was considering retirement is a testament to what he was feeling. And Martino will no doubt have seen for himself from the last game just how badly it appears to be affecting him.
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