Inter Miami - St. Louis City SC summary: goals, score, highlights | MLS
Inter Miami - St. Louis City: As it happened
Inter Miami and St. Louis City played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Chase Stadium, a game that will go down as one of the best of the MLS season to date.
The visitors were never likely to be cowed but they exceeded all expectation with a daring, front-foot display kick-started by a stunning opener from Chris Durkin, spinning to fire home form the edge of the box. Soon after Lionel Messi levelled things with an equally clinical strike on 25 minutes but that was just the start.
Former Heron Indiana Vassilev nudged his side back ahead with five minutes of the first half remaining. Then it was Miami's turn as Messi, Jordi Alba and finally Luis Suarez combined in a sweeping attacking move, the Uruguayan finishing coolly at the back post.
The pace slowed slightly in the second half but St. Louis remained a threat and took a deserved lead on 68 minutes when Suarez nodded into his own net from a corner kick. Inter Miami pushed for a leveller but were frustrated by Roman Burki, who made a string of good saves.
Finally, however, the Herons were level when Jordi Alba latched onto a clever through-ball from Julian Gressel and beat the impressive Burki from close range.
No farewell victory for Messi as he prepares to leave for Copa America, but fond memories for those who witnessed a six-goal thriller in South Florida.
WATCH: Luis Suarez own goal in Miami draw
Luis Suarez bagged his 12th MLS goal of 2024 with a well-taken first half finish but he was also on target at the wrong end.
Midway through the second half the veteran striker turned the ball into his own net, seemingly handing St. Louis the three points.
MLS thriller ends all square
After 95 pulsating minutes there was nothing to choose between the two teams, both intent on playing in their own, entertaining style. Inter Miami will be frustrated not to have picked up the three points at home but will take heart from the fact that they battled back three times.
Peeep peeeeep peeeeeeeeep
A thrilling game comes to an end with an honourable draw. A breathless 3-3 at Chase Stadium.
Phew, I need a lie down.
Big save from Callender!
St. Louis suddenly win the ball back and break with Adeniran. He charges in on goal but can't beat Callender.
Incredible late drama, that could be that.
Miami free kick played short and worked out to Jordi Alba on the left. The Herons shuffle the ball across midfield, looking for a chink in the St. Louis armour.
The Herons are in the ascendency now but can't find a decisive fourth goal.
St. Louis are starting to slow their play now, perhaps countenancing settling for a draw.
The ball goes out for an Inter Miami goal kick and they come forward again for a dramatic late winner.
Weigandt misses a sitter!
More good work from Messi and Suarez, combining in the St. Louis box. Suarez sends a perfect low cross into the middle but Weigandt can't connect properly and his effort goes off-target.
Big chance squandered!
Five minutes of added time. More please!
Roman Burki saves St. Louis!
Wow! Brilliant from Burki!
Messi plays a sensational no-look pass out to Weigandt on the right of the box. He thrashes the ball at goal and Burki makes an outstanding one-handed save!
St. Louis may be on the back foot but they will not be cowed. Samuel Adeniran does brilliantly to turn on the edge of the Miami box but can't make anything from it.
There's a thick cloud of smoke rolling across the field now, the result of some pyrotechnic celebrations in the Inter Miami supporters' section.
We've seem plenty of fireworks tonight. And who would bet against there being a few more?
GOOOOAAAAAL! Jordi Alba
Yep, it's a goal! Jordi Alba's goal will stand and Inter Miami are level once again!!
What a game at Chase Stadium tonight!
Hold on, it looks onside! Anthony Markanich is well behind the rest of the line, Jordi Alba was surely on there.
Expect this goal to stand!
GOOOOAA- No!
Jordi Alba has the ball in the back of the net but the flag is up.
It was brilliantly taken but Alba, but was it offside? It'll go to VAR...
Lionel Messi carves out an opportunity
The Argentine is taking matters into his own hands. He swivel in the midfield and slides a perfect pass through to Alba, who returns it to his pal.
Messi tries to whip the ball in to the bottom corner but it's blocked. He slashes at the rebound but his volley flies over the crossbar.
With those changes it looks like St. Louis will be switching to a back five for the final minutes, looking to congest the space for the Herons.
Double change for the visitors.
Eduard Lowen and Indianna Vassilev come off. They are replaced by Kyle Hierbert and Nokkvi Thorisson.
Lionel Messi picks up the ball in the midfield and tries to exploit the space left by Chris Durkin. He goes for a one-two with Suarez but the Uruguayan cant make the return pass.
We're approaching the final ten minutes of normal time and Miami look a little out of ideas. The combination of Campana and Suarez doesn't seem to offer much in the way of variety and the Herons are looking congested in the middle.
A clever run from Samuel Adeniran stretches the play for the visitors and wins them a corner kick. The corner is played short and a wicked cross is whipped across the six-yard box but Sailor is on hand to clear.
It's a bit hectic for Miami now.
The home support is getting frustrated now, howling with every decision that goes against their wide.
The latest is a clumsy foul from Marcelo Weigandt, which is deservedly called as a foul.
Can Inter Miami bounce back from that Luis Suarez own goal?
They fought back twice in the first half but St. Louis have looked the better team since the break. The Herons are starting to look a little tired, while St. Louis are going from strength to strength.
Cremaschi comes close to a leveller
The Miami youngster has a clear sight of goal but Burki does brilliantly to tip the effort over the crossbar. Cremaschi should have scored, but Burki is so good in those situations.
Tata Martino responds with a double substitution.
Julian Gressel and Leonardo Campana come on. Matias Rojas and Robert Taylor come odd.
Nope, it wasn't Durkin.
On second viewing it transpires that it was Luis Suarez, heading the ball into his own net. Brilliant delivery from Lowen gave Suarez little chance of dealing with it at the near post.
Suarez own goal.
GOOOOOOOAAAAALL! Chris Durkin
At least Durkin's the one who is celebrating.
Eduard Lowen flashed in a teasing corner kick and it ends up in the back of the net. The visitors lead again!
Second change of the game for St. Louis
Joao Klauss is being replaced by Samuel Adeniran.
Lowen's free kick is firmly struck but it whistles just over the crossbar.
Decent effort, that. Callender is able to watch it over the bar.
St. Louis City win a free kick 35 yards from goal, left of centre.
It's an awfully long way from goal but Eduard Lowen looks like he is serious considering a shot here...
Big chance missed by Durkin
Terrible touch from Ryan Sailor in the Miami box and Chris Durkin pounces on the loose ball. He tries to beat Callender at his near post but the Inter Miami stopper pushes the ball clear.
Jordi Alba comes close with audacious chip
The Miami fullback is played in on goal by a long ball forward and lofts a delicate clipped shot over Burki. His effort lands on the roof of the net and the offside flag goes up, but it was a lovely attempt.
Inter Miami take a corner kick short and nearly work it through to Jordi Alba dashing into the box. Well cut out by the visitors.
Tim Parker
The St. Louis defender is booked for a clinical foul on Luis Suarez.
Inter Miami clear the ball long and Messi and Suarez do brilliantly to run the ball up-field by themselves, nearly making it into the penalty box before St. Louis manage to stem their progress.
Rapid counter-attack from Celio Pompeu. He gets to the edge of the box and skips through the challenges, before being tripped by a recovering defender.
Surely a free kick? Nope, referee says no foul. Bizarre decision.
The corner is played short and Jordi Alba tries his luck from 35 yards. Effort blocked, St. Louis break.
Inter Miami have a chance to break but Messi is stopped in his tracks as he advances into the box. The ball is worked out to Rojas but he can't feed it through to Taylor.
Nevertheless, Miami win a corner kick...
The pace has slowed for Inter Miami since the break, they need to lift the tempo again.
Ambitious from Tim Parker as the St. Louis CB tries to juggle the ball into the penalty area and fire a volley on goal from a tight angle. Needless to say, the ball flies wide of the target but it's certainly adventurous.
Inter Miami are struggling to get a grip of the play in the second half, finding themselves pinned back by St. Louis' energetic press. Luis Suarez hasn't been able to act as a hold-up man and the hosts just can't get up the field.
Corner kick to St. Louis
Brilliant from Pompeu to dart inside from the left and slide an inch-perfect pass through to Vassilev. He tries to curl the ball past Callender but the Miami keeper reads his attempt and saves well.
More good work from the visitors.
St. Louis are continuing to do their thing, forcing Inter Miami to take risks in possession when playing out from the back.
Luis Suarez is fouled by Indiana Vassilev on the halfway line and takes a little time getting to his feet.
Positive start from St. Louis once again.
First a strong run forward from Indiana Vassilev, followed by a flashed cross from Celio Pompeu. It comes to nothing, but it's a fun start.
One change at the break for Inter Miami.
Sergii Krytsov comes off. Ryan Sailor enters.
And we're back!
The second half is underway at Chase Stadium.
What can we expect from the second half?
Well, we can certainly hope for more of the same. The contrast in styles between these two - the ball-dominant Miami, the relentlessly-pressing St. Louis - makes this a fascinating contest.
Both teams are entirely wedded to their styles, meaning that neither is likely to change much in the second half. The big question is whether St. Louis can keep up this relentless pace or will Miami start to pick hole in the visitors' defence.
We'll find out...
Watch: Messi + Alba = Suarez goal
Yep, it's really that simple.
Sensational footwork from Lionel Messi to get the Heorns moving forward. A teasing pass from Jordi Alba and finally a clinical finish from Luis Suarez, who now has 12 goals for the MLS season.
Watch: Former Heron Indian Vassilev strikes for St. Louis
St. Louis looked dangerous with their counter-press all through the first half and they made it count for their second goal. Former Inter Miami forward Indiana Vassilev struck confidently past Callender from the right.
Well, then. Let's all take a few minutes to calm down after a thrilling half of action at Chase Stadium. St. Louis took the lead twice and Inter Miami twice levelled the game.
Let's take a look at those two quick-fire goals before the halftime break...
That's the half
And what a half it was. Four brilliantly-taken goals leaves the teams level at 2-2. All to play for in the second 45.
Long ball forward towards Luis Suarez which the veteran striker does brilliantly to control. He wins a throw-in for his team, before screaming at the assistant referee for some imagined slight.
The referee has a word.
Well then, this topsy-turvy first half will run on for a few more minutes.
Both teams have manufactured chances and you get the sense that there's plenty more to come.
Oh, hang on.
We're having a VAR check here. It looks like it's for a trip in the box that gave Suarez the space to finish...
GOOOOOOAAAAAL! Luis Suarez
Another goal and that might be the best of the bunch!
Sensational, meandering run from Messi in the middle of the field to dribble to the edge of the box and work it out to Alba. He plays a low pass into the box and Suarez finishes ruthlessly at the back post.
We'll all square again!
We'll have another five minutes of play at the end of the first half.
There's been plenty of action so far, what's left before the break?
Massive chance squandered for St. Louis!
A simple ball over the top from Tim Parker sends Indiana Vassilev sprinting through on goal again. He's one-on-one but can't make a clean connection and it's scuffed wide of the post.
That's another let-off for Inter Miami!
That goal came from a brilliant piece of play from Eduard Lowen, pinching the ball midway into the Miami box. They haven't always succeeded today, but that counter-press can be so dangerous for St. Louis.
GOOOOOAAAAALLL! Indiana Vassilev
The visitors are back in front and it's a former Inter Miami forward who gets it!
Sharp counter-press from St. Louis and it's worked out to Vassilev on the right, with space to fire low past Callender.
What a game we have here!
Joao Klauss does well to lay off the ball for Tomas Totland. The shot is saved comfortably by Callender but that's encouraging for St. Louis, who haven't seen enough from the big striker so far.
Inter Miami are starting to get the better of the St. Louis press now, regularly making it out and into the visitors' box. Tata Martino will be fairly happy with how his team have grown into the game.
What a save Roman Burki!
Jordi Alba advances down the left and finds Messi in space in the box. He whips the ball in at the near post and almost starts celebrating but Roman Burki springs down to his right and pulls off an incredible save!
Incredible from the St. Louis stopper.
Lionel Messi tries to sneak a through ball into the path of Weigandt on the right flank. Nice idea, but it's cut out.
Miami are really looking to play out to the wings, with Weigandt and Alba flying forward on the flanks.
Back to the action. St. Louis are continuing to press forward, looking to make life difficult for Inter Miami.
The Herons are starting to get accustomed to the front-foot play but still look a little vulnerable. A fascinating game unfolding at Chase Stadium.
WATCH: Lionel Messi goal draws Miami level
Anyway, enough of the substitutions. Let's have a look at that delightful Lionel Messi goal.
He started things with some neat play on the edge of the St. Louis box and was on hand to finish the move, whipping the ball past Roman Burki.
Yep, Redondo's off too.
Young midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi comes on for Miami.
Another one! Now Federico Redondo goes down, seemingly holding his hamstring.
Benjamin Cremaschi is getting readied.
First change of the game for St. Louis.
Rasmus Alm is off, Hosei Kijima comes on to replace him.
So nearly another for St. Louis, Joao Klauss going close with a header!
Brilliant cross from Lowen to find his partner. Should the big striker have scored?
GOOOOOAAAAAAL! Lionel Messi
Who else! The Inter Miami captain fires them level with a clinical strike from the edge of the box.
All square, game on!
The game's resumed but St. Louis are down to ten men, Alm required to stay off the field after receiving treatment. Carnell wants him back on urgently...
Rasmus Alm
Concern for Bradley Carnell as the forward is down receiving treatment.
Replacements are warming up on the touchline, it doesn't look good for Alm.
WATCH: Chris Durkin goal fires St. Louis ahead
Here it is, as promised...
A sensational goal from Durkin, his first for the club.
St. Louis are certainly taking risks but they are posing a real threat with their dynamism.
The Herons aren't used to this, and they can't cope with it so far...
Another rapid counter-attack from St Louis, it's Pompeu and Klauss again!
The big German gets through on goal but Aviles sprints back to make a last-gasp recoverytackle. Inter Miami are rocking now...
Inter Miami come forward with a switch from Messi, out to Alba. He fires in a low cross but Suarez can't quite connect in the middle.
We'll get footage of that Durkin goal as soon as we can, you will not want to miss it!
Who saw that coming?! It was brilliant from Durkin, a sharp turn and a perfectly-hit shot to punish Miami for failing to clear a corner kick.
GOOOOOAAAAAALLLL: Chris Durkin
WOW! What a strike from the St. Louis midfielder!
He span on the edge of the box and fired a vicious right-footed strike into the top corner.
The visitors lead!
Brilliant from Celio Pompio to pinch the ball off Messi on the halfway line and suddenly they're away!
Klauss does well to hold it up and play it forward to Totland, who finds Pompeu in the box. Brilliant recovery challenge from Jordi Alba to save his old pal's blushes!
Silly foul from Anthony Markanich on Weigandt, clipping the Miami fullback near the touchline.
Chris Dunkin picks up a loose ball for St Louis and the visitors look to build something.
It breaks down and Rojas spots Roman Burki off his line. He tries to lift the ball over the keeper from inside his own half but it's underhit. Nice idea.
A delicate first touch from Messi creates a yard of space on the halfway line and he curls a ball out to Taylor on the left. The Finn tries to be direct but he's forced to play back and the chance of a counter-attack fades.
Messi's looking sharp so far...
Matias Rojas tries his luck from distance but it's easily saved by Burki.
The Miami midfielder has certainly shown that he poses a threat from that sort of range.
Marcelo Weigandt is forced to chase back towards his own goal alongside Celio Pompeu, gratefully diving to the floor after a slight touch.
He didn't look too comfortable there.
It's been an assured start from the Herons, perhaps benefitting from St. Louis' more adventurous press. It's leaving gaps out wide for Miami to get their fullbacks into the game.
03:48 - First Lionel Messi nutmeg
Who had that on the sweepstake?
First bit of class from the hosts.
Big switch from Rojas finds Weigandt on the right. He strides forward and plays the ball into Messi on the edge of the box. He rolls a pass through to Suarez but his old partner can't quite connect.
The visitors go long from the off but it's out for a goal kick.
Inter Miami try to play out from the back but St. Louis, led by Klauss, will be trying to disrupt their rhythm. Easier said than done.
And we're off!
St. Louis get things underway...
We're nearly ready for kick-off at Chase Stadium
The stands are full. The players are out. The scene is set.
Full live coverage of Inter Miami - St. Louis City coming up...
Roman Burki on taking on Lionel Messi
This is not the first time that the St. Louis City goalkeeper has faced Lionel Messi. They met in the Champions League in 2018, when Burki was with Borussia Dortmund.
Of course, Messi scored that night. His goal against Dortmund was the 34th different UCL team that he had scored against, breaking another competition record.
Burki will be hoping for revenge tonight.
Final preparations for Inter Miami
The Herons will be desperate to put memories of Wednesday's loss to Atlanta United to bed today. They have not lost back-to-back MLS fixtures since October 2023 but they looked worryingly short of ideas against Atlanta earlier this week.
Lionel Messi is playing in his final game before leaving for Copa America and Tata Martino will be eager to make the most of his talisman.
Is there anything that Lionel Messi can't do?
The Inter Miami captain starred alongside Will Smith and Martin Lawrence recently in a video to publicise the new Bad Boys film. Messi was the star of the show, even giving a little taste of his English language skills.
Teams put through their paces at Chase Stadium
The visitors are out in Miami, ahead of today's MLS clash against Inter Miami. St. Louis City SC, now in their second season in the league, are playing their first game against Inter Miami and are taking on a full-strength team tonight.
Tonight's game will be Lionel Messi's last appearance for Inter Miami before heading off to Copa America. The Herons will certainly be without him for a couple of weeks but his absence could stretch to five weeks if Argentina go deep in the tournament.
Here's what that could mean for Miami...
St. Louis GK Roman Burki targets Miami frontline
Speaking ahead of the game, St. Louis City goalkeeper Roman Burki revealed that they are planning to target Inter Miami's veteran forwards.
He said: "[In the Atlanta game we saw] the front three of Miami don't like to defend, so we definitely need to exploit that."
"There's not a lot to lose here. We're going to try our best... We just need to get something out of these games."
St Louis soccer representing in South Florida
The trip from St Louis to Miami is not a short one but there's a sizeable travelling contingent in the house for today's game at Chase Stadium. In their second season in MLS the City supporters have a rare chance of a trip to the West coast to see Inter Miami play in the flesh and these fans have leapt at the opportunity.
But St. Louis are not just here on vacation. They proved themselves to be one of the league's most hard-working teams in a historic debut season in 2023 and they will fancy their chances of unsettled the superstar Herons today.
When was the last time Inter Miami lost back-to-back games?
Since the arrival of Lionel Messi the Herons boast a winning run, although they have continued to struggle when the Argentine is not there. They currently sit at the top of the Eastern Conference and will be eager to retain that place as we head into the FIFA international break.
They lost against an out-of-form Atlanta United midweek and Tata Martino will be desperate to see a resolute response from his team. The last time Inter Miami lost back-to-back MLS game came in October 2023, when they fell to Chicago Fire and FC Cincinnati in consecutive fixtures.
Correction - Mathis Rojas comes in for Inter Miami
Apologies! There is one change for the Herons, Julian Gressel drops to the bench and is replaced by Mathias Rojas.
Inter Miami confirmed team news
Here it is! The superstar quartet are all in the starting XI for the Herons as Messi, Suarez, Busquets and Alba are all named in the team. In fact, it's an unchanged team from the midweek loss to Atlanta United.
St. Louis City team news to face Inter Miami
Here's how the visitors line up this evening. Joao Klauss retains his place up front, despite having not scored in his previous three games. Former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki is in goal for Bradley Carnell's team.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in good spirits for Inter Miami
The Herons have arrived! The superstar duo were sharing a joke as they entered Chase Stadium together for what could be the final time in a month. Will they start together? We'll find out shortly...
When will Lionel Messi break the Inter Miami goals record?
Not tonight, unless something very special happens. Although it's a testament to Lionel Messi's incredible impact that he is just five goals off Inter Miami's scoring record within a year of joining the club.
The record is currently held by former Designated Player Gonzalo Higauin, who was the club's talisman in the first seasons in MLS.
The stage is set in South Florida
St Louis City have made the trip to the East for tonight's MLS game, taking in the sights of Chase Stadium. Bradley Carnell's side have failed to live up to their incredible, Western Conference-topping debut season in MLS but they remain a tough prospect.
The high-pressing, hard-working team will be out to pull off an upset today.
There's still more than an hour to go until kick-off, looking for a way to kill some time?
We'll be bringing you full build-up right here - with confirmed team news coming shortly - but you can also use the time to submit your picks for the 2024 MLS All-Star Team.
Will Lionel Messi get the call-up? It's up to you...
What time is the Inter Miami game?
Our focus game, Inter Miami - St Louis City, is one of 11 games that will be played across a hectic Saturday of MLS fixtures. The action from South Florida is slated to start at 7:30pm (ET) / 4:30pm (PT).
On Friday night in-form NYCFC battered struggling San Jose Earthquakes 5-1.
Preparations underway for Inter Miami
The Herons know that they need a win to ensure that they retain top spot in the Supporters' Shield rankings ahead of the upcoming FIFA break. With that in mind Tata Martino will go for a strong team and the club's social media activity suggests that Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets will indeed be in the starting XI today.
We should have team news from Chase Stadium shortly.
First up, team news. The hosts have a nearly full-strength squad at their disposal with the like of Federico Redondo and Benjamin Cremaschi now back from injury.
However the drab nature of the midweek defeat may convince head coach Tata Martino to make some changes for the visit of St. Louis. Here's how we think the Herons will line up...
Inter Miami are looking to make the most of the final game with Lionel Messi before the captain heads off to Copa America with Argentina.
The Herons are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 3-1 midweek lost to Atlanta United as they take on St Louis City at Chase Stadium.
I'm Will Gittins and I'll be bringing you full live coverage of the MLS clash...