Sunday's trip to Los Angeles quickly became a reality check for Inter Miami as the Herons drew 1-1 to the Galaxy behind a 92nd-minute goal from none other than Lionel Messi. Jordi Alba assisted Messi after Marco Delgado was dismissed for a phantom foul on Sergio Busquets in the second half.
That leveled the match after a 75th-minute goal from Dejan Joveljic that had the Galaxy ahead. It was a match defined by goalkeepers with John McCarthy and Drake Callender making save after save, but it was the rebound that Callender allowed from Riqui Puig's shot that led to the goal which Delgado assisted. Callender also saved a penalty.
The Galaxy had every chance to win the game as their 4.05 xG will show, but when a team faces Miami they pay more for their missed chances.
Diego Gomez left the match with an injury that will be a concern for Tata Martino as he was replaced by Lawson Sunderland. While Miami left with a point, there are questions about whether their success is sustainable although Federico Redondo will join soon to boost the midfield.
Things won't get any easier for Miami hosting rivals Orlando City on March 2 before kicking off Concacaf Champions Cup play entering the round of 16 on Mar 17. Facing Real Salt Lake and the Galaxy, Miami have yet to play a team that can make them pay for their mistakes, but that will change sooner than later.
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Even the Galaxy if the match was played two weeks from now, would've likely emerged with a victory. Paintsil was great but needs to pass a bit more, something that will change as he logs more minutes for the team. Gabriel Pec also had to start the match from the bench as Puig is getting surrounded by a supporting cast that can push the Galaxy back to being a playoff team. Similarly to their first match against Real Salt Lake, Miami were let off the hook.
It helps to have four points early as every point matters, but it's clear that against attacks with pace that Busquets needs help. If Miami are to have another season during which they win a trophy, Martino needs to support his aging midfielder while also not stunting the attack.