Lionel Messi orchestrated one goal and played a key role in another as Inter Miami weathered a second-half resurgence by Real Salt Lake to secure a 2-0 win in the opening game of the 2024 Major League Soccer season. Major League Soccer's 2024 season opener..
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Union kicked off their CONCACAF Cup journey on Tuesday in San Jose, Costa Rica, with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Deportivo Saprissa at a windy Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Ayma in front of 23,000 passionate Saprissa fans.
Messi and Miami Start With Victory
The first half in Fort Lauderdale saw Miami dominate, culminating in a breakthrough during the 39th minute. Messi, displaying his playmaking prowess, dissected the defense to find Robert Taylor.
Although Taylor's low shot appeared to have initially been stopped by Zac MacMath, it slipped through his hands and found the net.
Real Salt Lake, initially cautious in the first half, emerged revitalized after the break, intensifying the pressure on Miami.
The latter, after participating in preseason matches in Asia and the Middle East, faced a determined Salt Lake team. Miami withstood the siege, bolstered by crucial saves from goalkeeper Drake Callender.
The victory was sealed in the 83rd minute when Messi collaborated with former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez to set up Diego Gomez and secure the 2-0 lead.
The ensuing celebration, marked by fireworks at the newly renamed Chase Stadium, marked a triumphant start to the 29th MLS season for Messi's team.
Reflecting on the challenging competitiveness in MLS, Suarez, speaking through an interpreter after his league debut, acknowledged Inter Miami's status as title contenders.
Messi, who has made a significant impact since joining Miami in mid-July, led them to a Leagues Cup title.
However, despite his magic on the field, the team could not overcome early season setbacks to make the playoffs.
Co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, Miami underwent a significant transformation in the off-season, bringing in key additions such as 37-year-old Uruguayan striker Suarez, along with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
The team, now considered favorites, is ready to go for its first MLS Cup. Next up for Miami is a trip to Carson, California, where they will face Beckham's former team, the LA Galaxy, on Sunday.
🐍 UNION WIN 🐍#DOOP | @TheChampions pic.twitter.com/khQJzOpLmz
- Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) February 21, 2024
Philadelphia beats Saprissa In San Jose
As expected in the opening match, the game got off to a sloppy start, with the weather noticeably affecting the ball flight and forcing Philadelphia into sticky situations.
Union found themselves under pressure from the start, conceding numerous chances due to their own turnovers.
A series of quick corner kicks around the 15th minute created a chance for Saprissa, which just missed the crossbar. Another corner in the 20th minute resulted in a clear deflected header by Saprissa's Madrigal.
With the momentum of the crowd, Saprissa dominated the first half, leaving Union trailing. An unfortunate mistake by Union around the 28th minute, when Glesnes played a tricky long ball back to Blake, ended with the ball in his own goal.
Several yellow cards in the 37th minute brought some calm to the teams, and the first half ended with Union trailing.
The second half started with more energy from Union, with Carranza scoring in the 55th minute after a disorganized attack.
The Union stepped up their efforts, nearly missing a chance four minutes later and lofting a shot over the crossbar five minutes after that.
The changes of Bedoya and Bueno injected fluidity into Union's play. Carranza showcased his skill with two well-worked goals, both assisted by Gazdag and Sullivan.
Sullivan's speed set up Carranza's third goal, securing a 3-2 victory for Philadelphia with three important away goals. Now, attention turns to the second leg on Tuesday, February 27 in Chester, PA.
Before that, the Philadelphia Union return to Chester for the start of their MLS campaign against the Chicago Fire on Saturday at Subaru Park.
