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Lionel Messi (R) of Inter Miami FC in action against Aaron Long (L) and Mateusz Bogusz (C) of LAFC during the match between LAFC and Inter Miami FC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, US, 03 September 2023. EFE-EPA/ETIENNE LAURENT
Los Angeles, US, Sep 3 (EFE).- Argentinian star Lionel Messi had two assists as Inter Miami defeated Los Angeles FC 3-1 in front of a large celebrity turnout on Sunday.
Facundo Farias, Jordi Alba, and Leonardo Campana scored for Inter Miami, which moved up from last place to eight points behind DC United in the MLS Eastern Conference playoff race.
The Florida team left behind Wednesday’s goalless draw at home against Nashville to pull off a crucial victory before Messi departs to lead Argentina in their opening World Cup qualifiers.
It was the second consecutive away win for Inter Miami, who had won only once out of eleven matches this year before this streak.
On the other hand, Los Angeles FC recorded its second straight loss at home after failing to convert scoring chances that could have changed the course of the match.
Facundo Farias struck in the 14th minute to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead.
The Florida team’s second and third goals came in the second half off stunning assists by Messi, who himself failed to score.
The Argentinian has scored 11 goals and made five assists in 11 matches since his debut with Inter Miami, which he has already led to its first Leagues Cup win and the US Open Cup final.
A host of celebrities turned up to watch the star in action including Prince Henry, Hollywood actors Leonardo Di Caprio, Selena Gómez and Gerard Butler, former Oasis rocker Liam Gallagher and NBA superstar LeBron James. EFE
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