September 18, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) plays against Atlanta United midfielder Saba during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Saba Lobjanidze (9 years old). Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Superstar Lionel Messi and Inter Miami FC will take on struggling New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Saturday afternoon, continuing the team's bid for the Supporters' Shield.
Messi's second game back from injury was not as productive as the first. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had two goals and an assist in Miami's 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday before adding a late goal in a 2-2 draw with Atlanta United. The moment equalized the score.
Messi (14 goals, 14 assists) and Luis Suarez (17 goals, 6 assists) came off the bench on Wednesday. On March 30, Suarez scored the team's only goal in the team's 1-1 draw with New York City.
David Ruiz scored his first goal of the season in the first half against Atalanta. Leo Campana scored his franchise-best 30 points in all competitions in Game 2 for the Herons (19-4-6, 63 points) in the race for the most points , the Herons are eight points ahead of both FC Cincinnati and LA Galaxy in MLS.
Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino and midfielder Sergio Busquets were suspended for accumulating yellow cards.
“I think the young guys are doing a great job,” Helens assistant coach Javier Morales said, according to the Miami Herald. “After not playing a lot of games, being thrown on the court day in and day out. It’s not easy.”
New York FC (11-11-7, 40 points) extended its winless streak to eight games (0-3-5) after a 5-1 loss to Union on Wednesday.
“Like I've said before, if we get beat or get beat by another team, then I'm going to sit here and say, 'I'm worried about the playoffs,'” NYFC coach Nick Cushing said. “However, I've seen enough this season and in these games to give me complete confidence that we're going to get back to winning ways and continue to win football games.”
Alonso Martinez scored the only goal for New York FC. He also scored for New York FC in their last game against Miami.
–Scene-level media