Messi steals the show as Inter Miami CF ends New York City FC’s win streak in 4-0 shutout

By: Eddie Kalegi

After Julian Fernandez’s heroics at the death last week against Columbus, and New York City FC’s unexpected blanking of Charlotte FC Saturday to clinch a playoff spot, vibes were at their highest of the season for the boys in blue. That came to a screeching halt on Wednesday night in Queens.

It was a Lionel Messi masterclass in front of a packed crowd at Citi Field, as the ageless wonder compiled two goals and an assist in a dominating 4-0 victory for visiting Inter Miami CF, their first ever road win in the matchup. New York City had its fair share of chances, but poor execution, compounded by an ill-disciplined second half, ended City’s three-match winning streak.

Early Attacks Come Up Empty

Offense was the story from the opening whistle.. While no goals were scored at the onset, the two sides combined for four corners and six shots in the first 15 minutes of play, The Herons led the way in both those categories, with Messi nearly scoring from well beyond the box in the 12th minute.

New York City had a pair of serious scoring chances soon after. Thiago Martins couldn’t convert a free header off a well-executed set piece, while Nico Fernandez Mercau missed outside the far post on a 29th minute breakaway with just the keeper to beat.

Missed Opportunities Prove Costly

As the Herons continued to mount substantive chances, it felt like it was only a matter of time before they would strike. That was the truth in the 43rd minute, as Sergio Busquets connected with Messi off a free kick, who served up an absolute beauty for Baltasar Rodriguez, who found the bottom right corner of the net to put Miami in front.

City could’ve easily entered the locker room level or in front because of those aforementioned successive high percentage opportunities, but instead trailed at the break.

Messi Makes His Mark

The home side looked to equalize in the second half, but didn’t muster a single shot for the first 25 minutes of the frame. Pascal Jansen didn’t waste any time shaking up his lineup, sending in reinforcements as Julian Fernandez and Alonso Martinez, who had a brace in Saturday’s victory over Charlotte, stepped onto the pitch.

There were plenty of New York City supporters in Flushing, but with the hundreds of pink jerseys in the stands, there was no doubt that a large fraction of fans came to see one man: Lionel Messi. That section of the crowd was treated to a signature moment from the international star, who smacked one past Matt Freese in the 73rd minute to double the Herons’ lead, his league-leading 23rd goal of the season.

The Flood Gates Open

As heavy rain started to fall at Citi Field and hope dwindled for the home side, the match spiraled. A blatant yellow card from Justin Haak, one of a whopping 22 fouls against City during the match, earned Inter Miami a penalty kick, one which was effortlessly pushed through by Luis Suarez.

Three minutes later, Lionel Messi led a counter off a sloppy turnover and drilled his second goal of the night, giving the visitors an insurmountable 4-0 advantage that would hold until the final whistle. The victory punched the Herons’ ticket to the postseason, lifting them to third in the Eastern Conference standings, while New York City remained seven points behind the Philadelphia Union for the conference’s top spot and the Supporters’ Shield.

Looking Ahead

It’s yet another quick turnaround for the boys in blue, who will suit back up Saturday for a rivalry matchup with the New York Red Bulls in the Hudson River Derby at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The contest will be City’s fifth match in a 14 day span. Glenn Crooks and Matty Lawrence will have the call from Harrison, with live radio coverage starting at 7:15 P.M. on newyorkcityfc.com/radio.