Inter Miami honors Lionel Messi’s 45 titles ahead of 2-1 win over Chicago Fire in MLS 2024

Mumbai, July 22: Before the match against Chicago Fire, Inter Miami hosted a ceremony for captain Lionel Messi to recognize his most recent title, the 2024 CONMMEBOL Copa America, the 45th trophy of his career – the most for a player in football history. The Argentine won his third major international tournament with the team, but was injured in the tournament final against Colombia, nearly being substituted in the 60th minute and was seen crying on the bench as he could not be on the pitch to help his teammates, but a late winner in extra time by Lautaro Martinez ensured the team won the tournament for a record 16th time. Lionel Messi thanks Inter Miami for the recognition and says: ‘It was a pleasure to share this moment with our people’ (see message).

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is sidelined for a while due to a right ankle ligament injury sustained in the final. After the celebrations, which saw Messi walk onto the pitch and children’s mascots holding plaques listing all the awards he’s won and forming a semi-circle in the middle of the pitch with the number 45 on the ground, Inter Miami indulged in a thrilling match that ended 2-1 to the home side.

Inter Miami found the opening goal early in the sixth minute. A long ball from center back Avilés found Taylor on the left side of the pitch, who then took a deft first touch, trailing a defender and dribbling to the end line before laying a pass back for Rojas. The Paraguayan midfielder’s left-footed finish sent the ball into the back of the net to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead. The goal was Rojas’ fourth of the regular season, while the assist was Taylor’s fourth of the season.

The remainder of the first half then saw the hosts spend the remaining minutes searching for the second goal. Inter Miami almost extended their lead in the second minute of added time, but Gressel’s effort hit the crossbar and denied him. The match then went into half-time with Inter Miami’s 1-0 lead intact.

The second half was an even affair with few chances for either side in attack. However, it was Chicago who struck next, with defender Rafael Czichos leveling the score in the 73rd minute. Despite the visitors leveling the score, Inter Miami responded immediately and regained the lead just a minute later. Lionel Messi concludes his first year at Inter Miami, co-owner David Beckham shares his ‘proud’ message on Instagram.

This time, the goal came from left back Alba, who took advantage of a loose ball from the opposing goalkeeper in the penalty area to finish with a volley and send the ball into the back of the net to help regain the lead. The strike was Alba’s fourth of this MLS regular season. The score remained unchanged for the remaining minutes as Inter Miami claimed all three points at Chase Stadium and won a second straight match to remain atop the Supporters’ Shield standings.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2024 11:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).