Lionel Messi Scores First Goal of the Season, Combines With Jordi Alba in Inter Miami Draw

• Lionel Messi netted his first goal of the season in a draw with Los Angeles Galaxy
• Inter Miami looked destined for defeat before Messi stepped up in stoppage time
• He combined with Jordi Alba on the left flank before poking the ball into the net

Lionel Messi opened his goal-scoring account for the 2024 season, netting in stoppage time to rescue a point for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

The Herons faced Los Angeles Galaxy in their second game of the season at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, on February 26.

The hosts were the superior side for large parts of the contest. Messi's former Barcelona teammate, Riqui Puig, had an opportunity to fire his side in front but saw his penalty saved by Drake Callender.

It took 75 minutes for the deadlock to be broken after Dejan Joveljic tapped the ball into an empty net to put LA Galaxy ahead.

Messi Branded a Menace After Flicking the Ball Over Injured Real Salt Lake Player in Opener: Video

Football

However, the hosts were disadvantaged two minutes after Marco Delgado was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Messi's first goal of the season

In stoppage time, Jordi Alba and Messi exchanged passes before the full-back cut back to the Argentine star, who found the top of the net to restore parity.

Messi's goal was important as Tata Martino's men claimed a crucial point on the road. The Herons will be keen on making the playoffs this year after last year's miss.

They are now up to four points on the table after the opening day 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake. The draw puts them on top of the Eastern Conference ahead of the other side's matches. They play Orlando City up next on March 3.

Player 'flicked' by Messi speaks

Sports Brief had earlier reported that the player who Messi had flicked while laying injured on the pitch has spoken about the incident.

Lionel Messi: Real Salt Lake come up with bizarre way to stop free kick as MLS returns

Football

The Argentine exhibited his wide range of skills against Real Salt Lake when he chipped the ball over a man before unleashing a shot.

Andre Body has confirmed he was the player lying on the ground, with Messi branded as a 'menace' for his brazen attempt at a goal.