Lionel Messi played a pivotal role in Inter Miami’s 2-0 victory in the inaugural match of the 2024 Major League Soccer season, contributing to the setup of one goal and influencing another as the team successfully navigated through a challenging period against Real Salt Lake in the second half. The Argentine superstar made a brilliant start to his debut for the Florida outfit, providing a nifty pass that led to Robert Taylor’s first-half opener and then setting up Diego Gomez’s second goal in the 83rd minute. Messi’s moment of brilliance in the latter stages will undoubtedly have become a standout highlight for a sell-out crowd at DRV Park, including actor Will Smith and retired NFL star Chad Ochocinco.
Inter Miami dominated the first half in Fort Lauderdale and turned their superior attacking talent into a series of good chances for the home side. But the new club’s defense was resolute and denied the hosts any clear-cut opportunities.
In the 17th minute, Messi wins a free kick in the RSL half and tries to shoot on goal from some distance, but Justen Glad heads the ball off the line.
RSL begins to turn up the pressure after the break and looks threatening down both flanks. But the Miami backline stood firm, and keeper Drake Callender kept the visitors at bay.
59th min: RSL gives away a cheap giveaway on the edge of the penalty area, and new signing Julian Gressel bungles a good chance. Inter Miami are piling on the pressure, and RSL’s defenders must be on their guard.
85th min: Diego Gomez doubles the home side’s lead after a brilliant move from Luis Suarez. The former Barcelona teammate gave the young Paraguayan forward a superb first-touch pass, who quickly finished his effort.
The 2-0 win at Chase Stadium was Inter Miami’s second consecutive victory in their first two matches, leaving them at the Eastern Conference standings. They also had the best defensive record in the league. Meanwhile, RSL suffered their second straight defeat and are still searching for their first win of the season. The Utah outfit are bottom of the Western Conference with just five points from six matches. They are five points behind third-placed Seattle Sounders.
