The match took place with an exciting head-to-head game. In the 3rd minute, Gonzalo Lujan put Inter Miami ahead. However, New York City FC quickly responded when Nicolas Fernandez and Agustin Ojeda scored in turn, helping the home team take a 2-1 lead again.
During Inter Miami's difficult time, Messi continued to play the role of leader. In the 61st minute, from a free kick about 25m from the goal, the Argentine superstar finished the ball hitting the wall and changing direction, causing the opponent's goalkeeper to not have time to react, equalizing 2-2 for the away team. This is also Messi's 901st goal in his career, just a few days after he reached the milestone of 900 goals in the draw with Nashville SC in the 1/8 round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
After the equalizer, Inter Miami continued to maintain pressure. In the 73rd minute, Messi almost completed a double with a left-footed curling shot that went just wide of the post. However, the away team did not have to wait long to complete the comeback when center-back Micael headed diagonally to seal a 3-2 victory immediately afterwards.
After the match, coach Javier Mascherano affirmed that Messi will still be an important factor in the upcoming period of the team. He said that the coaching staff is always closely monitoring the fitness of the 38-year-old star, and emphasized that Inter Miami really needs his presence to complete the goal of the season.
According to Mascherano, Messi will join the Argentine national team after this match to prepare for friendly matches against Mauritania (March 27) and Zambia (March 31). Currently, Messi has not confirmed whether he will participate in the 2026 World Cup or not and will make a decision based on his physical condition before the tournament taking place in North America in the summer.
Previously, the Argentine team was scheduled to play the Intercontinental Super Cup match against Spain in Qatar in March. However, this plan was cancelled due to the complicated regional situation, although CONMEBOL and UEFA have made efforts to find alternatives.
