Messi’s First Game in Bay Area Ends in a 3–3 Draw for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi played in the Bay Area for the first time since joining Major League Soccer (MLS), as Inter Miami drew 3–3 in a dramatic match against San Jose Earthquakes.

In the game played on Thursday morning, Tadeo Allende scored twice for Miami. He got his first goal in the first half. In the 52nd minute of the second half, he scored again with a simple tap-in from a pass by Baltasar Rodriguez—an attack that started with a pass from Messi.

Maximiliano Falcon also scored once for Inter Miami. However, the team has now conceded at least three goals in three of their last four matches, raising questions about their defense.

For San Jose, Cristian Arango, Bue Larue, and Ian Harkes were the goal scorers. The Earthquakes are now unbeaten in their last three matches and are showing good form.

Messi had a chance to win the match for Miami in the 90th minute, but goalkeeper Daniel de Sousa Britto made a close-range save. Later in stoppage time, Messi appeared to be clearly fouled just outside the box, but the referee did not give a free kick. Messi was visibly angry and argued with the referee, for which he was shown a yellow card.