New York City FC 1-1 Inter Miami: summary, score, goals, highlights MLS
NYCFC - Inter Miami: As it happened
James Sands stuns Inter Miami with first MLS goal!
What a time to record your maiden MLS goal. New York City acquitted themselves well against Inter Miami and deserved a point.
They got one, thanks to a dramatic late leveller from James Sands. The New York native drifted clear of markers from a corner kick and planted a firm header past Drake Callender.
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Leonardo Campana off the bench to poke Inter Miami ahead.
The 24-year-old dropped to the bench against NYCFC but he needed just two minutes to make an impact when he was eventually called upon. The big Ecuadorian tapped home from close range after a slick move from Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba.
Campana continues his impressive scoring rate for the Herons but it was cancelled out by a late leveller.
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Full time: Late drama in Yankee Stadium draw
That's it! No more time and the spoils are shared between New York City FC and Inter Miami.
NYCFC are level in the final moments against Inter Miami. Is there any time for one last chance?
We're deep into added time now...
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! James Sands
The New York native rises highest from a corner kick and nods his team level.
Yankee Stadium erupts!
Late change for Miami. Noah Allen is off, the more physical Sergii Kryvtsov comes on to defend this free kick.
Leonardo Campana flies into a tackle on the edge of his own box, bringing down Julian Fernandez with a clumsy challenge.
Noah Allen was down injured but he's back to his feet now. Inter Miami may choose to make a change here.
Inter Miami will just try to see this game out now, taking their time on throw-ins and free kicks. Frustrating for the home support but this Miami team are taking no chances.
We're going to have five minutes of added time at the end of the second half.
A bit lower than expected, given the number of yellow cards we've had at Yankee Stadium.
We're into the final moments now. NYCFC have generated opportunities in the second half but have lacked a bit of composure at the crucial moment.
Their wait for an MLS win may soon stretch to ten games.
Rodriguez skies big chance!
Mounsef Bakrar does brilliantly to win a long ball forward and finds Maxi Moralez in the middle. Moralez plays a neat flick, rolling the ball into the path of Santiago Rodriguez on the penalty spot.
Rodriguez strides confidently onto the ball but hammers his shot over the crossbar. That was a huge opportunity.
Maxi Moralez
The NYCFC forward becomes the latest name in the referee's notebook for that foul on Jordi Alba.
Jordi Alba is down after a heavy challenge from Maxi Morales in the Inter Miami penalty box. That wasn't nice from the 37-year-old.
Strong running from James Sands to overlap on the left, charging into the box. He gets to the byline and tries to pull the ball back but it drifts out of play.
Goal kick to Inter Miami.
NYCFC get the ball in midfield but are struggling to break down Inter Miami. The visitors are now playing with a 4-4-2, with eight outfield players in tight formation behind Messi and Suarez up front.
One change for Inter Miami, too. Julian Gressel is replaced by Benjamin Cremaschi.
Here's the NYCFC substitutions.
Keaton Parks, Alonso Martinez and Tayvon Gray are off. Mitja Ilenic, Andres Perrea and Mounsef Bakrar come on
There's a number of substitutions being readied on the touchline as we approach the final ten minutes of normal time.
Good work from Leo Campana to hold the ball up on the left flank and win Inter Miami a free kick.
You have to feel for NYCFC, who have been the better team for much of the game. They have made the better chances but one slick move from Inter Miami was enough to break the deadlock.
Leonardo Campana adds to record tally!
Last week Leonardo Campana became the record scorer for Inter Miami and he's got another crucial goal at Yankee Stadium today.
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GOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAL! Leonardo Campana
He's only been on the field for a few minutes but he's got the goal that they needed! Good work from Messi and Alba in the build-up and Campana is on hand to tap the ball home.
NYCFC 0-1 Inter Miami.
It looks like Leonardo Campana will be starting on the left for Inter Miami, playing as a wide forward. Lionel Messi is taking up the same role on the right flank, leaving Luis Suarez in the middle.
First change of the game for Inter Miami. Leonardo Campana comes on for Robert Taylor.
Santiago Rodriguez
The NYCFC talisman is booked for a late challenge on Tomas Aviles. That means that he misses the Hudson River Derby next weekend, a real blow for Nick Cushing.
Into the final 20 minutes of action at Yankee Stadium and the game has got very bitty, although NYCFC are playing the better at the moment. Inter Miami don't look particularly sharp, struggling to sustain possession in the NYC half.
NYCFC swing in the corner kick but it's headed clear by Ian Fray.
Hopefully we may get a bit of soccer now, after a spell of fouls and yellow cards.
Luis Suarez
The Inter Miami forward is the latest player to go into the book after flying into a challenge on the halfway line. Another free kick to NYCFC, which is subsequently headed out for a corner kick.
Tata Martino Jr
Inter Miami's assistant coach, son of head coach, is sent off for comments made after that foul was called on Bright. Miami are really feeling the pressure now.
Noah Allen
Inter Miami are absolutely furious as Bright is penalised for a foul on Rodriguez on the edge of the box. A bit soft, but the Miami players surround the referee and Allen goes into the book.
Jordi Alba
On second viewing, it was just a push in the back from Jordi Alba on Thiago Martins. A fairly standard booking, but a sign of Miami frustrations.
Did Jordi Alba lash out at an opponent?!
The Miami fullback was involved in something off the ball there. The referee's stopped the game to intervene.
There's a couple of half-chance for Inter Miami as Lionel Messi drops deep to orchestrate things. On both occasions he tries to thread a ball through the hosts' backline but he can't find the angle.
Game getting very congested now.
Hannes Wolf forces good save from Callender.
The NYCFC winger gets on the ball again, taking it to the edge of the Miami penalty box. He strikes the ball low and hard towards the bottom corner but Callender gets across to save well.
The corner kick drops at the feet of Hannes Wolf in the six-yard box but he can't sort his feet out. The ball bounces out for a goal kick.
O'Toole gets free on the left for NYC and flights a teasing cross into the box. Trayvon Gray collects the ball at the back post and fires a low cross into the middle, booted clear by Noah Allen.
Corner kick to NYCFC.
NYC win a free kick on the left flank in a good crossing position.
It's Wolf who whips in a cross. He finds Keaton Parks in the middle but the header is off target.
Tata Martino may be contemplating changes now because this is not working for them. The Herons have looked disjointed today, unable to build up the passing sequences that has become their hallmark.
NYCFC are continuing to control the game at Yankee Stadium, making all of the running in the opening minutes of the second half. James Sands is finding space to break into from midfield and Miami are looking stretched.
Jordi Alba is penalised for an overly-physical foul on Hannes Wolf.
He can have no complaints about that. Although of course he does.
Brilliant footwork from Lionel Messi to skip past a challenge in the middle. He squares the ball for Suarez but the Uruguayan can't get his feet right and loses possession.
More good work from NYC, this time working it to Martinez on the edge of the box. He tries to curl one past Callender but his effort drifts just wide of the goal.
Keaton Parks squanders huge chance!
Brilliant work from Rodriguez to win the ball off Fray and NYCFC are straight on the attack. They work it nicely in the box, finding Keaton Parks running through on goal.
The ball is bouncing and Parks slashes the ball wide of the target from 10 yards out. Huge chance for the hosts!
NYCFC play a long ball over the top of the Miami backline, forcing Drake Callender to charge from his line to clear the danger.
Good, decisive goalkeeping from the Miami stopper.
And we're back!
Eventually, Inter Miami return to the field and NYCFC get the second half underway at Yankee Stadium.
Inter Miami take their time at the break.
As is now traditional, Inter Miami are late out for the second half. The Herons have previously been punished for failing to emerge from the locker room in proper time, but it doesn't seem to bother them.
New York fans take aim at Miami with Messi-Barbie tifo.
Tifos have become pleasingly common in MLS in recent years, often used to poke fun at the opposition as much as they are to support your own team.
NYCFC fans take aim at the so-called 'plastic' Inter Miami fans, who they claim are only interested in Inter Miami.
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Knicks star at Yankee Stadium to support NYCFC.
We've seen an impressive first-half performance from New York City FC in the opening 45 minutes. One of the 55,000 fans enjoying the match is New York Knicks power forward Julius Randle.
The three-time NBA All-Star set off the ceremonial smokestacks ahead of kick-off.
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Goalless at halftime in the Bronx.
NYCFC will probably be the happier of the two teams at the break, especially coming off a chastening midweek loss to Philadelphia Union. The hosts have enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the opening 45 minutes and probably came the closest to scoring when the impressive Santiago Rodriguez struck the post with a free kick.
Improvements needed from Inter Miami if they are to generate more chances against a well-drilled NYC side.
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Halftime at Yankee Stadium.
There's no added time at the end of the first half. All square at the break between NYCFC and Inter Miami.
Inter Miami pinch the ball off the NYC backline and win a throw-in on the right flank. One minute of the regulation remaining, can they force one clear chance before the break?
We've seen very little from Messi and Suarez in the first half at Yankee Stadium. They played for just half an hour in the midweek draw against Atlanta, but they look a little laboured in their movements.
Yannick Bright is starting to become more influential in the game. He looks up and tries to clip a pass through to Ian Fray, running through on goal.
The pass is overhit and bounces out of play for a goal kick to the hosts.
Just five minutes of normal time remaining in the first half. Nick Cushing will be the happier of the two head coaches at the break, having seen his team dominate against the Supporters' Shield leaders.
But that's the thing with Inter Miami. It only take a few seconds, a moment of magic, to turn the game on it's head.
Yannick Bright plays a clever pass out to Jordi Alba on the left wing, sending the Spaniard racing forward. He takes a touch and tries to pick out a teammate in the middle but it's a poor pass, easily intercepted.
Miami have not found their rhythm so far.
The corner kick is stood up the back post, picking out Tanasijevic in space. The defender tries to cushion a volley at goal but it's blocked and the visitors clear.
It's Rodriguez to take the free kick but he opts to clip a cross into the box. Inter Miami win the first header but concede a corner kick.
Ian Fray
The Miami defender is booked for another foul on the edge of the box.
For the third time today, Santiago Rodriguez is fouled and wins his team a free kick in a good shooting position.
Neat footwork from Keaton Parks in the midfield.
The NYCFC midfielder has impressed in the opening stages at Yankee Stadium. Great skills from the 27-year-old to avoid the challenges here.
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Brilliant run from Keaton Parkes to charge into the box. He can't quite fashion a real chance for himself and loses the ball to Aviles, but that was good work from the NYCFC midfielder.
Nearly an opening for Inter Miami as Lionel Messi glides with the ball to the edge of the box. He stutters, trying to create space for a shot, but he's dispossessed on the edge.
A moment of danger for Inter Miami as Drake Callender is caught on the ball. The visitors manage to get the ball clear.
Rodriguez clips a clever ball over the top for Wolf, who's sprinting in on goal. He's forced to check his run to bring the ball under control and he's quickly crowded out by recovering Miami defenders.
The corner kick is headed clear by Luis Suarez and NYCFC are forced to go all the way back to Matt Freese.
Good work from Alonso Martinez, chasing a through-ball into the channel and winning his team a corner kick.
Strahinja Tanasijevic
The NYCFC man brings down Ian Fray as he advances down the right flank.
It's Maxi Morales who takes the free kick but it's easily saved by Drake Callender.
NYCFC go straight up the other end and find Alonso Martinez close to the Miami goal. Martinez is hauled down and NYC win a free kick in a good shooting position.
Another good chance for the hosts...
Luis Suarez sees shot blocked by teammate!
Julian Gressel and Luis Suarez combine well on the edge of the NYCFC box. The Uruguayan makes space for a shot but he strikes Robert Taylor in the six-yard box.
The offside flag is up and the chance goes begging, but that would have been a test for Freese.
Lionel Messi curls in a dangerous curling delivery, nearly beating Matt Freese from the corner kick!
On such a small field, will Messi actively start shooting from corner kicks? That attempt nearly caused problems for Freese.
Miami snatch the ball in the NYCFC half and strike quickly. First Suarez and then Messi try to find space for a shot but the hosts defend bravely, clearing the ball for a corner.
Ian Fray finds himself through on goal after a brilliant solo run but just runs out of space. Where did that come from?!
Inter Miami trying to play out from the back but they're pressed effectively by the hosts, forcing Fray to punt a long ball up-field.
He's aiming for Jordi Alba but the Spaniard is offside. Things aren't quite clicking for Miami so far.
There's a capacity crowd at Yankee Stadium this afternoon but the home support has been a little flat so far. The unusual structure of the baseball-turned-soccer venue doesn't help with that, in fairness.
Good work from Maxi Moralez on the left flank. The 37-year-old tries a quick one-two with Keaton Parks but Miami get a foot in and regain possession.
NYCFC will be fairly happy with this start. They've managed to keep the pace of the game high, giving Miami little opportunity to grow into the game and get Messi and Suarez on the ball.
Good defending from O'Toole on the halfway line to muscle Messi off the ball. The hosts have looked compact in the opening stages, denying Miami space.
Santiago Rodriguez hits the post.
The NYC man curls the free kick around the wall and has Callender beaten. The low effort strikes the bottom of the post and bounces away to safety.
So close for Rodriguez!
The corner kick is easily cleared by Miami NYCFC come back swiftly.
Santiago Rodriguez closes in on the edge of the Miami box but Redondo gives him a shove, sending him tumbling to the ground.
Free kick for the hosts in a good shooting position.
Brilliant pass from Trayvon Gray, sending Alonso Martinez sprinting into space on the right. Inter Miami look stretched for a second but Allen comes across and clears for a corner.
Santiago Rodriguez does well again, skipping through tackles in the midfield. Inter Miami eventually win the ball back but Rodriguez is having an impact early in the game.
Good claim from Drake Callender, coming out to grab the corner kick.
Inter Miami have Tomas Aviles and Ian Fray - two 20-year-olds - at the back today. NYCFC might get some success on set pieces against young defenders.
Kevin O'Toole is played into space down the left for NYC. Noah Allen gets across to intercept but concedes a corner kick.
Messi comes close with free kick.
It's a curling effort from Messi, up and over the ball, but it just drifts wide of Matt Freese's left post.
Handball called on Keaton Parks on the edge of the NYCFC box. A little harsh but it did appear to strike his hand.
The free kick is right of centre, around 25 yards from goal. Messi territory...
Santiago Rodriguez shifts the ball into space on the edge and fires low and hard. Callender is beaten but the ball skips wide of the post.
NYCFC enjoy a spell of possession on the edge of the Miami box. Santiago Rodriguez controlling things for the hosts.
Promising opening from the Herons, dominated the ball and knocking the ball around calmly at the back. It looks like Messi, Redondo and Taylor are operating as a three behind Suarez.
And we're off.
Inter Miami get things underway at Yankee Stadium.
It's a sell-out.
Confirmation that there's not a spare seat in the house for this crucial MLS clash.
The teams are out!
NYCFC and Inter Miami take to the field at Yankee Stadium.
And here's the Inter Miami team.
No major surprises for the Herons, who welcome back three of their ex-Barcelona stars back to the team. Lionel Messi looks to light up Yankee Stadium in his first competitive appearance at the iconic venue.
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Another look at the NYCFC starting XI.
Kick-off at Yankee Stadium is now just minutes away. Just enough time for a quick look at the teams again, starting with hosts New York City FC...
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The Inter Miami striker leads the team for goals in 2024. / Mike Dinovo / USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Can Luis Suarez win the MLS Golden Boot?
Christian Benteke of DC United currently leads the field with 19 regular season goals. Behind him are three forwards tied on 17 goals, Chicho Arango, Denis Bouanga and Luis Suarez.
The Inter Miami man still has five games remaining, you wouldn't bet against him clawing his way to the top of the charts.
NYCFC defender relishing Messi challenge.
“He’s a player I’ve looked up to my whole life. So to share the same pitch with him is going to be a great privilege.”
Lionel Messi looks to continue impressive return.
Last weekend Lionel Messi made his first Inter Miami start since June 1, scoring twice and providing an assist for Luis Suarez in a 3-0 win. Here's a look back at the game-winning performance from Messi on his MLS comeback.
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NYCFC warming up.
NYCFC have made just two changes from the team that was beaten 5-1 by Philadelphia Union on Wednesday evening. Maxi Moralez and Keaton Parks come into the starting XI.
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NYCFC have been in poor form but will be hoping to pull off a shock. / John Jones / USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Nick Cushing relishing Inter Miami challenge.
We're expecting a sell-out this afternoon in NYC, as games involving Lionel Messi and Inter Miami typically are. Speaking ahead of the game the NYCFC boss admitted that the prospect of facing the Herons was something special.
"The team is very excited for the game, obviously, knowing that there's going to be a capacity crowd is something that is really unique," NYCFC head coach Nick Cushing said.
"It's a one-off occasion, in the sense of knowing that the atmosphere is going to be amazing. Playing against the team that is leading the league is going to be a difficult game, but the team is really motivated for the challenge."
Inter Miami survey the scene in NYC.
There's little over 20 minutes to go until kick-off at Yankee Stadium. This will be the first time that Lionel Messi has played at the iconic venue in the competitive fixture having missed the two regular season games in 2023.
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NYCFC arrive for Inter Miami clash
The hosts arrive in style at Yankee Stadium, looking to put memories of a midweek thrashing firmly out of their minds. Head coach Nick Cushing dismissed the 5-1 loss to Philadelphia Union as a "freak" result but his team will need to show considerable improvement today if they are to avoid embarrassment.
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With his Inter Miami team riding high at the top of the Supporters' Shield rankings, Lionel Messi is targeting trophies this year.
“As we said at the beginning, we know the squad we have, and the title is our goal. We’re realistic and take responsibility for it," Messi said recently.
The scene is set for NYC - Inter Miami.
The meeting of New York City FC and Inter Miami is the only fixture scheduled in the early MLS slot today, meaning that all eyes will be on Yankee Stadium at 2pm ET.
It's quite a sight too, with blue skies over New York on a perfect fall day.
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Will this season be a historic one for Inter Miami? Despite falling short in the cup competitions the Herons have been sensational in the league and are closing in on a first-ever Supporters' Shield title.
They even stand within reach of the single-season MLS record. What do they need for their remaining game?
New York City FC make two changes.
After a 5-1 home defeat to Philadelphia Union NYCFC head coach Nick Cushing will be hoping for a much-improved performance today. Nevertheless, he's opted to make just two changes to the midweek starting XI.
Moralez and Keaton come in for NYCFC.
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More Messi magic at Yankee Stadium?
After more than three months away, Lionel Messi made his first appearance back in the pink of Inter Miami last weekend. It was exactly the performance that the Miami fans were hoping for, the captain registering two goals and an assist against Philadelphia Union.
That earnt Messi another MLS Player of the Matchday award, his fourth of the season.
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Is Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami?
Yes! The Argentine returns to the starting XI after being rested against Atlanta on Wednesday. Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba are also named in the team, with Ian Fray getting a rare start at the back.
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While we await confirmed starting XIs from Yankee Stadium, here's the team news for Inter Miami ahead of the game. The Herons are still missing a number of players due to injury but have incredible depth in the squad.
Inter Miami in the house.
We're now little over an hour away from kick-off on a beautiful afternoon in New York. Inter Miami are still in the hunt for the single-season MLS points record but they come up against a NYCFC side looking to secure a place in the playoffs.
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One to watch: Alonso Martinez
NYCFC have struggled for form in recent weeks but they possess multiple attacking talents and a fluid, possession-based style of play. Central to their success in the remainder of 2024 will be goalscoring, which has hampered Nick Cushing's team in the past.
The goals of Alonso Martinez have helped this year and the Costa Rican international has been transformed into a reliable striker at NYC.
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The Copa America and fitness issues have severely restricted Lionel Messi's playing time this season but, when he is on the field, he remains a game-changer for the Herons.
Here's a look back at his incredible output so far in 2024...
Inter Miami pleased with Lionel Messi's injury recovery.
The Herons will be relieved to have Messi back in the team as the playoffs approach but head coach Tata Martino will be eager not to give him too many minutes too quickly. On Friday the team revealed that Messi is in good condition ahead of the weekend's game and he looks set to start.
"Leo played 30 minutes the other day. He performed well, with no discomfort, and is fit to play. It depends on what 'Tata' decides. But physically, he is in great shape," said assistant coach Javi Morales.
"He played well; the other day he did fine. We won't talk about how important he is to us... After being out for almost two months. We were playing on synthetic turf... The most important thing is that his ankle is responding well,"
MLS schedule for Matchday 34.
Anyway, back to today's action. There's a full slate of MLS fixtures this weekend with some tasty ties in both conferences.
We'll be bringing you live coverage of the early game, NYCFC - Inter Miami, but there's plenty more to look forward too. The Western Conference meeting of Real Salt Lake and the Portland Timbers could be decisive as the top teams scramble for home advantage going into the playoffs.
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Inter Miami stunned by Atlanta.
The Herons have been on an incredible run in recent months but their winning streak was broken by Atlanta United midweek. The Five Stripes put in a much-improved performance and snatched a point late on with this stunning strike from new DP arrival Alexey Miranchuk.
What a goal.
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As many had predicted, a South American goal-getter has broken the Inter Miami all-time scoring record. But it wasn't Lionel Messi.
Ecuadorian striker Leonardo Campana can consider himself a little unfortunate not to have featured more this season but he's proven himself to be a reliable option when required. He's the club's record goalscorer, for now..
NYCFC looking to respond to Philadelphia battering.
Here's a look at the last game for NYCFC, a horror show on home turf against playoff rivals Philadelphia Union. Can they bounce back against Miami today?
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More than 40,000 people expected at Yankee Stadium.
Wherever he goes, Lionel Messi draws a crowd. Inter Miami will be the biggest show in town in NYC today, but that shouldn't distract from the task at hand for the hosts today.
NYCFC fell to a 5-1 defeat to Philadelphia Union midweek, the latest in a string of poor performances. If they are to clinch a playoff spot without needing a Wild Card win, NYC need to turn this run of form around.
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We'll be bringing you full live coverage of NYCFC - Inter Miami right here on AS USA but you can also stream the action online. Here's everything you need to know...
Herons land at Yankee Stadium.
It's one of the most iconic sporting venues anywhere in the country. Today, Yankee Stadium will play host to Inter Miami and Lionel Messi, who are looking to bounce back from a midweek draw against struggling Atlanta United.
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As we head into the final stretch of the 2024 MLS regular season, there's still plenty to play for in the Eastern Conference.
New York City FC are yet to secure a place in the playoffs and need to turn around a poor run of recent results. The task at hand for Inter Miami is quite different; the Herons are looking to break the single-season MLS points record.
With Lionel Messi put on another show in New York this afternoon? We're about to find out.