The numbers
In a thrilling encounter at Yankee Stadium, Inter Miami edged out New York City FC with a score of 3-2, marking a significant victory for the team. This match, held on March 22, 2026, saw Lionel Messi shine once again, scoring the equalizer with a stunning free kick in the second half.
The match kicked off with excitement as Gonzalo Luján scored his first career goal for Inter Miami just four minutes in, giving the visitors an early lead. However, New York City FC responded quickly, with Nicolás Fernández leveling the score in the 17th minute. Agustín Ojeda then put NYCFC ahead in the 59th minute, but Inter Miami was not to be outdone.
Messi’s equalizer came as a breath of fresh air for Miami fans, showcasing his exceptional skill and experience. With this goal, Messi not only brought the score to 2-2 but also marked his fourth goal of the season, bringing his career total to an impressive 901 goals.
The decisive moment came when Micael dos Santos scored the winner for Inter Miami, sealing the match at 3-2. Dayne St. Claire made three crucial saves for Miami, while NYCFC’s Matt Freese had a busy night, making five saves to keep his team in contention.
With this victory, Inter Miami improved their season record to 3-1-1, while New York City FC suffered their first loss of the season. Historically, Inter Miami has had the upper hand in recent matchups, going 3-0-4 against NYCFC in their last seven encounters.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami will host Austin FC on April 4, where they will aim to build on this momentum. Fans are eager to see how the team will perform following this hard-fought victory.
As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to solidify their standings and make a push for the playoffs. The excitement of MLS continues to grow, and this match was a testament to the competitive spirit and talent present in the league.
