The path towards victory was harder than the scoreline suggests, but assists from superstar forwards Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez unlocked a 2-0 win for Inter Miami CF over Real Salt Lake as the 2024 MLS season began Wednesday night at Chase Stadium.
The Herons' highly-anticipated year got its first official goal in the 39th minute when winger Robert Taylor latched onto Messi's through ball before firing under RSL goalkeeper Zac MacMath.
The result was ultimately sealed in the 83rd minute when midfielder Diego Gómez rifled home after Messi and Suárez combined on a counter-attack, rewarding the youngster's supporting run.
RSL routinely threatened through striker Cristian Arango, but failed to capitalize on several Inter Miami turnovers and lapses at the back. Instead, clinical moments created by the attacking half of Inter Miami's Big Four made the difference.
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: All the hype and anticipation around Messi's first full season in MLS didn't result in a goal (not yet), but the Argentine maestro's fingerprints were all over this result. That said, Inter Miami showed they're indeed beatable. With more ruthlessness around goal, RSL could have easily returned to Utah with three points.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Taylor, Inter Miami's Finland international, opened the 2024 MLS goalscoring.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: On a night when Suárez debuted and Messi was the star attraction, Gómez's two-way play stood out. He's in fine form after captaining Paraguay to the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Next Up
- MIA: Sunday, Feb. 25 at LA Galaxy | 9 pm ET (MLS Season Pass)
- RSL: Saturday, Feb. 24 at St. Louis CITY SC | 8:30 pm ET (MLS Season Pass)
