NEW YORK (AP) – Lionel Messi scored the tying goal from a free kick in the second half and then set up Michael dos Santos’ game-winning goal, leading Inter Miami to a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over New York City FC on Sunday at Yankee Stadium.
Inter Miami (3 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw) suffered its first loss to NYCFC (3 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw) and moved into a tie for second place in the Eastern Conference.
Gonzalo Luján scored his first career goal, giving Inter Miami the lead in the fourth minute off a rebound without an assist. The 21-year-old defender has started 23 of 30 games in his career.
Nicolas Fernandes got off to a good start with his fifth goal, scoring a free kick in the 17th minute to tie NYCFC. Fernandes has played in 16 games since last season, scoring eight goals.
Agustin Ojeda scored with assists from Maxi Morales and Kevin O’Toole to give NYCFC a 2-1 lead in the 59th minute. It was Ojeda’s second goal of the season and fifth in 61 career games. Morales has already recorded four assists this season.
This advantage lasted two minutes. Messi takes a free kick with his left foot The shot went over Matt Freeze for his fourth goal of the season. This was Messi’s 54th goal in his 58th MLS appearance. The Argentine legend scored 901 goals during his glittering international and club career.
In the 74th minute, Mikael scored a header from a corner kick by Messi, giving Inter Miami a 3-2 lead. Noah Allen and David Ayala assisted on Michael’s first goal with his new team.
Dane St. Clair stopped three shots on goal for Inter Miami in his first season as defending MLS Cup champions. He has conceded eight goals in four starts.
Matt Freese made five saves for NYCFC.
Messi’s shot bounced off the post and crossbar in the first half.
NYCFC leads the series with a 7-4 record, while Miami is 3-0-4 in their last seven games.
to the next
Miami: Homes Austin FC on April 4th.
New York: Play against St. Louis City on April 4th.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/soccer
