MLS
Messi drives LA Galaxy to new record after Inter Miami clash
The team with the most Major League Soccer titles tied 1-1 with the Herons in the opening weekend of the 2024 season, and it was a special one.
Los Angeles Galaxy spared Inter Miami during the first half and let slip the opportunity to secure three points in their inaugural match of the 2024 Major League Soccer season. It was Lionel Messi himself who scored in the 91st minute after a pass from Jordi Alba to level the game, quieting the 27,642 fans present at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday night.
Messi-mania breaks Galaxy attendance record
The team with the most league titles set a record for attendance in a regular-season match played at their stadium since they moved in 2003. This broke the attendance record they had set on 19 October 2014, when they faced the Seattle Sounders in front of 27,244 fans.
This was the first match between both franchises in the city of Los Angeles and the second in history. Previously, they faced each other at DRV PNK Stadium on 18 April 2021, where Los Angeles Galaxy secured a 3-2 victory. Additionally, it was the first occasion for David Beckham to return to what was once his playing home as the owner of Inter Miami and Messi’s first visit to the Galaxy’s stadium.
Mixed feelings for LA Galaxy
It was a draw with a taste of defeat for the home team after dominating most of the match. A positive note was the debuts of new signings Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec. The Ghanaian started the game and had a great performance in his first minutes in Major League Soccer. Paintsil spoke after the match about his experience with the Galaxy and what it meant to face Messi and co.
“It’s a different country, but it’s the same game in the end. We played in Europe and now here in the United States. So, playing against Messi and the others is something that motivates you to play better. Facing better players doesn’t scare you, but it gives you that energy to showcase your talent, and as you saw, they didn’t have many opportunities during the match,” said the 26-year-old forward.
Joseph Paintsil added that he regrets the result because ultimately the statistics show that Galaxy was far superior, but they are still satisfied with the point gained. They will have to turn the page quickly as they will be playing away against San Jose Earthquakes on 2 March in a new edition of the ‘Cali Clásico’.