Messi rescues point for Miami with late equaliser against Galaxy

Lionel Messi proved decisive yet again for Inter Miami as the Argentine star netted a crucial 97th-minute equaliser to earn his side a 1-1 draw away against LA Galaxy, on Sunday evening.

With Miami heading towards a first defeat of the new MLS campaign, Messi popped up in the seventh minute of stoppage time to cancel out Dejan Joveljic’s 75th-minute opener for the hosts. The last-gasp goal from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner maintained Miami’s unbeaten start after two games this season.

Joveljic had put Galaxy ahead after latching onto Marco Delgado’s ball across the box and finishing from close range past keeper Drake Callender. However, Delgado’s dismissal 13 minutes later for a second bookable offence gave Miami hope heading into stoppage time.

Messi duly delivered, turning in Jordi Alba’s cross in the seventh minute of added time to snatch a point for the visitors. It was reminiscent of how both players often connected for goals over different seasons in the colours of Barcelona.

Earlier, Callender had made a string of fine saves to keep Miami level, including a penalty stop to deny former Barcelona star Riqui Puig. Galaxy had hit the woodwork twice in the second half through Puig and Miki Yamane as the pressure built. In the end, though, Messi had the final say and up next for the Miami club is welcoming Orlando City next weekend.