Facing many weather difficulties in the match against DC United on the morning of May 19, but with Leonardo Campana’s last-minute brilliance, Inter Miami won 1-0 to continue to hold the top spot in the American Professional League (MLS).
After a 0-0 draw with Orlando City in round 14, Inter Miami gradually caught up with the scores behind their opponents. Coach Gerardo Martino’s team is only 2 points ahead of Cincinati but has played 1 more match. Therefore, Inter Miami’s mission is to win against DC United to maintain the top spot. The team’s confidence in winning 3 points was strengthened when star Messi returned from a knee injury. In addition, other stars such as Busquets, Jordi Alba and Suarez are still in the starting lineup.
However, difficulties continued to come to Inter Miami when Lockhart Stadium suddenly suffered from harsh weather and prolonged heavy rain. According to the announcement of the Organizing Committee, conditions were not favorable for the players’ pre-match training, so the encounter between the two teams took place 30 minutes later than expected.
Messi returns to Inter Miami’s main squad
AFP
Bad weather caused the match to be postponed
AFP
Messi returned and Inter Miami’s playing style immediately became elegant. In the first half, the team leading MLS dominated the game and held the ball 71%. As usual, Inter Miami’s passes to the ball still have to go through the Argentine player’s feet. Inter Miami finished 4 times, but half of them belonged to Messi.
Unfortunately, Coach Gerardo Martino’s students could not find a solution when the ball in the last third of the field, DC United and Inter Miami could not penetrate the opponent’s net. On the other hand, the heavy rain also greatly affected Inter Miami’s short playing style. The home team’s best chance came in the 43rd minute when Cremaschi had the chance to face the DC United goalkeeper but could not win.
On the opposite side, DC United also played proactive defense. With Christian Benteke – a player who played in Europe for Liverpool, Aston Villa, DC United, the ball was full of speed. They even finished more than Inter Miami (8 times) and if they had been more precise, the opening goal would have come at the end of the first half.
Inter Miami played hard in the first half but could not penetrate DC United’s net
AFP
In the second half, everything changed when DC United held the ball better and actively attacked. Christian Benteke continued to have opportunities, but like the first half, the former Liverpool striker was inexplicably squandered. In addition, Inter Miami goalkeeper – Callender also played well in the second half, leaving DC United’s strikers helpless.
DC United’s rising position also opened up space for Messi and Suarez. In the 71st minute, after Suarez’s cross, Messi controlled the ball with his shoulder and scored beautifully from outside the penalty area. The fans all stood up, preparing to celebrate, but the ball once again narrowly went over the crossbar.
It seemed like the match would end with a score of 0-0, but in stoppage time, coach Gerardo Martino’s changes were effective. Minute 90+3, Leonardo Campana was sent onto the field and with just his first touch of the ball he scored a goal for Inter Miami. The creator who helped him create the superb volley was Sergio Busquet. This was also the only goal of the match, helping Inter Miami get all 3 points.
Leonardo Campana scored an emotional goal for Inter Miami
AFP
Minimum victory over DC United helps Inter Miami have 31 points. Messi and his teammates continue to hold the top spot in the table, 1 point ahead of Cincinnati. However, Inter Miami played 1 match more than their opponents.
