Facundo Farias, Jordi Alba, and Leonardo Campana showcased their scoring prowess, supported by Lionel Messi’s two assists, as Inter Miami CF secured a remarkable 3-1 victory over LAFC on Sunday, extending their unbeaten streak to 11 matches, a club-record. The exceptional performance from Drake Callender, who made five saves, contributed to Miami’s impressive 10-0-1 record across all competitions since Messi’s debut with the team on July 21. This remarkable run includes their Leagues Cup triumph against Nashville SC on August 19.
Inter Miami, now standing at 7-14-4 with 25 points, bounced back strongly from a scoreless draw against Nashville just a few days earlier. In fact, they have been influential in MLS play during the Messi era, with a commendable record of 2-0-1. On the other hand, LAFC managed to avoid a shutout with Ryan Hollingshead’s late goal off a set piece in the 90th minute. John McCarthy, the goalkeeper for the defending MLS Cup champions, made three saves but couldn’t prevent their defeat. Despite this loss, LAFC still holds a respectable position in the Western Conference at third place, with 11-8-7 and 40 points.
LAFC had a promising opportunity to take an early lead when Denis Bouanga took a close-range shot in the 11th minute, but Callender demonstrated his skill by punching the ball away with a closed right fist.
In a defining moment for Inter Miami, Farias secured a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute by cleverly slotting a sliding shot from just inside the penalty area, thanks to a precise through ball from midfield by Tomas Aviles. This goal marked Farias’ first for Inter Miami, in only his third appearance and second start.
Messi himself had a chance to score in the 38th minute, but his left-footed shot near the penalty spot was deflected by McCarthy. However, Alba expanded Miami’s lead to 2-0 in the 51st minute when he skillfully converted a long through ball from Messi from the center of the penalty area. Campana then sealed the victory by capitalizing on a two-on-one break and delivering a left-footed goal from a pass by Messi. These assists from Messi were particularly significant as they were his first in MLS regular-season play.
An intriguing aspect of this match was that Inter Miami fielded all six of their summer signings together for the first time, including Messi, Farias, Aviles, Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Diego Gomez. It was a star-studded affair at Los Angeles, with notable personalities in attendance such as Prince Harry of Wales, actors Owen Wilson and Leonardo DiCaprio, musician/actress Selena Gomez, and comedian/actor Will Ferrell, who happens to be a member of the LAFC ownership group.
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