Messi Magic: Late Equalizer Rescues Inter Miami in Thrilling Draw Against LA Galaxy

In another stunning display of his unmatched talent, Lionel Messi once again rescued Inter Miami with a dramatic late equalizer in their thrilling 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy on Sunday night.

The match seemed destined for Miami’s first defeat of the new MLS season until Messi intervened in stoppage time. Dejan Joveljic had put the hosts ahead with just 15 minutes remaining, capitalizing on Marco Delgado’s precise delivery to break the deadlock with a close-range finish past goalkeeper Drake Callender.

However, Miami’s hopes were reignited when Delgado received his marching orders, reducing Galaxy to ten men and offering a lifeline to Messi and his teammates. With just two minutes into the extended period, Messi seized the opportunity, cleverly redirecting a cross from Jordi Alba into the roof of the net to salvage a point for Miami.

This crucial goal marked Messi’s first of the campaign after failing to find the net in Miami’s opening victory against Real Salt Lake City, reaffirming his status as the team’s talisman and ensuring Tata Martino’s side remained undefeated after two games.

Earlier in the match, Callender had showcased his heroics with a series of remarkable saves, including a brilliant stop to deny Riqui Puig from the penalty spot. Despite Miami riding their luck at times in the sluggish first half, with Callender also tipping a fierce effort from Puig onto the crossbar, they managed to weather the storm.

Galaxy continued to pile on the pressure, with Miki Yamane rattling the post just over 20 minutes into the second half, while Miami’s Diego Gomez was thwarted by John McCarthy’s reflexes. Joveljic’s breakthrough goal seemed to seal the victory for Galaxy until Delgado’s dismissal shifted the momentum in Miami’s favor.

Messi, in tandem with his former Barcelona teammate Alba, orchestrated the equalizer with precision, culminating in Messi’s clinical finish to deny Galaxy the win.

Notably, Miami co-owner David Beckham, who spent five years at LA Galaxy during his illustrious career, appeared subdued in his reaction to Miami’s late goal.

Next up for Miami is a showdown against Orlando City next Saturday, where Beckham’s side will look to build on their resilient performance against Galaxy.