Inter Miami regain top spot, Messi seen with walking boot

Even if the buzz around Copa America has died down, South Florida soccer is still going strong thanks to Major League Soccer. A dominant 3-1 win against Toronto at Chase Stadium on Wednesday sent Inter Miami back to first in the MLS table. This win allowed the Herons to reclaim first place in the MLS standings, with ten games left in the regular season.

Lionel Messi, sidelined indefinitely due to an ankle injury sustained during Copa America, watched the game from a field-level suite with his family. Sporting a walking boot, the Argentine superstar observed as his teammates took the field without him. His absence, however, didn’t dampen Miami‘s performance. Standout contributions from fellow Argentine Fede Redondo and Diego Gomez were the difference.

Diego Gomez opened the scoring for Miami in the 43rd minute, capitalizing on a beautifully placed arching pass from Redondo. Gomez’s precise diagonal run and powerful shot into the net set the tone for the match, giving the home side a 1-0 lead at halftime.

The second half saw Redondo shine, scoring two goals to extend Miami’s lead to 3-0. His first goal came from a header off a Julian Gressel free kick in the 53rd minute. Just six minutes later, Redondo completed an exquisite sequence involving a Gressel diagonal pass to Gomez, who then centered it for Redondo to finish with a deft touch.

Despite a late goal by Toronto’s Derrick Etienne Jr. in the 79th minute, Miami maintained control and secured the victory. Goalkeeper Drake Callender, playing his 100th game for Inter Miami, delivered a memorable performance with crucial saves, including a spectacular stop against Toronto’s Federico Bernardeschi.

Inter Miami goes to top of MLS table with win

With this win, Tata Martino’s players reclaimed the top spot in the Supporters Shield race, overtaking Cincinnati. Miami now boasts 50 points from 15 wins, four losses, and five draws. Their next challenge comes on Saturday against the Chicago…


Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/inter-miami-regain-top-spot-messi-seen-with-walking-boot/

Author : Martina Alcheva

Publish date : 2024-07-18 20:46:27

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