Led by the two Messi goals, to go with an additional assist, the scoreline suggested Inter Miami dominated NYCFC at Citi Field. In truth, it was closer than that for much of the match. Miami seized the lead in the first half on a goal from Baltasar Rodriguez and, from there, both teams had chances. Miami, though, was the team that made the most of them. More specifically, it was Messi who did just that.
After teeing up Rodriguez with a through-ball on that opener, Messi scored Miami’s second in the 74th minute, chipping the ball over goalkeeper Matt Freese to kickstart a goal barrage. Luis Suarez added a third goal from the penalty spot nine minutes after, before Messi put an exclamation point on it all with an 86th-minute solo finish to turn a close game into a blowout.
For those who follow MLS, this was one of those nights where Miami showed what they could be. Dominant in the attack and led by Messi’s magic, there’s no team in this league that can go blow-for-blow or goal-for-goal with this team.
Can they create more of them going forward? With just five games left in the regular season, the Herons will hope so. Suarez is back from suspension, and Messi is seemingly keeping his MVP push going with another dominant performance. With those two leading the charge, Miami showed that, even against a very good NYCFC team, they can still reach a different level on their night.
BALLGM rates Inter Miami’s players from City Field
Led by the two Messi goals, to go with an additional assist, the scoreline suggested Inter Miami dominated NYCFC at Citi Field. In truth, it was closer than that for much of the match. Miami seized the lead in the first half on a goal from Baltasar Rodriguez and, from there, both teams had chances. Miami, though, was the team that made the most of them. More specifically, it was Messi who did just that.
After teeing up Rodriguez with a through-ball on that opener, Messi scored Miami’s second in the 74th minute, chipping the ball over goalkeeper Matt Freese to kickstart a goal barrage. Luis Suarez added a third goal from the penalty spot nine minutes after, before Messi put an exclamation point on it all with an 86th-minute solo finish to turn a close game into a blowout.
For those who follow MLS, this was one of those nights where Miami showed what they could be. Dominant in the attack and led by Messi’s magic, there’s no team in this league that can go blow-for-blow or goal-for-goal with this team.
Can they create more of them going forward? With just five games left in the regular season, the Herons will hope so. Suarez is back from suspension, and Messi is seemingly keeping his MVP push going with another dominant performance. With those two leading the charge, Miami showed that, even against a very good NYCFC team, they can still reach a different level on their night.
BALLGM rates Inter Miami’s players from City Field
Oscar Ustari (6/10):
Did make one good save but otherwise wasn’t challenged too much.
Jordi Alba (6/10):
Got into some dangerous positions but, more often than not, was just a step too slow to really make the most of it. Credit for creating danger, though.
Noah Allen (7/10):
Generally steady, particularly on the ball, where he was something of a metronome. Did had one nervy moment, though.
Maxi Falcon (6/10):
Safe to say he was noticeable. Had a few chaotic defensive sequences, but was never punished for them. He did, ultimately, settle into the game.
Ian Fray (7/10):
Very solid on that right-hand side. Won his duels and drew a whole bunch of fouls.
Sergio Busquets (9/10):
Got the hockey assist on the opening goal but, let’s be honest, that was more Messi than anything. His assist on the second was fantastic, though, as he played Messi through perfectly. Really marshalled the midfield well, too, even in moments where NYCFC’s pace threatened him.
Rodrigo De Paul (7/10):
A typical performance as the Argentine popped up just about everywhere. Drew the penalty late to help put the game to bed.
Baltasar Rodriguez (7/10):
Well-taken goal from the winger, who really handled the pressure well with two defenders on his back. Tracked back well, too, in the moments where Miami lost the ball.
Matteo Silvetti (6/10):
Pretty quiet, in general, amassing just 21 touches during his run.
Lionel Messi (9/10):
What didn’t he do? From the picture-perfect assist to the even better goals, the Argentine ran the show, dominating from whistle to whistle in every way an attacker can.
Luis Suarez (7/10):
Had a few good sequences before being rewarded with the chance to take the late penalty in his first match back after a three-game MLS suspension. Buried it as he usually does to put the game out of reach.
Tadeo Allende (6/10):
Never really had to do much as Inter Miami ran away with the game.
Yannick Bright (7/10):
Moved the ball well when he did get on it in midfield.
Marcelo Weigandt (7/10):
Provided the assist on the last goal but, realistically, that was Messi’s solo brilliance
Tomas Aviles (N/A):
A late sub to make sure nothing weird happened.
Javier Mascherano (8/10):
When you win 4-0, you leave with a smile on your face. Got the lineup and the subs right, paving the way for the big win.
