LAFC vs Inter Miami CF – September 3, 2023
In a completely sold out BMO Stadium, the LAFC vs Inter Miami CF was arguably the biggest match of the season due to the presence of the legendary Lionel Messi. Increasing their undefeated club record up to 11 games, Inter Miami defeated the LAFC 3-1, causing the Black and Gold to lose their home winning streak of four games.
Inter Miami’s Facundo Hernán Faría, Jordi Alba, and Leonardo Campana were all able to score one goal each throughout the match, while Messi assisted on two of the scoring plays. The first goal came in the 14th minute when Faría succeeded on a slide shot across LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy to bring the score to 1-0.
LAFC followed up a couple of great looks at goal but Denis Bouanga finished wide just 3 minutes following Faría’s score. Mario Gonzalez also had an opportunity to equalize but his shot fell outside on the side netting. McCarthy was able to block a shot attempt on Messi before the end of the first half.
Starting off the second half, Inter Miami doubled the lead after Jordi Alba scored from the center of the box in the 51’. His teammate Leonardo Campana extended it to 3-0 as Messi was credited with the assist.
LAFC finally got on the board in the second half stoppage time when Ryan Hollingshead completed a header following a corner kick by Carlos Vela.
With the loss, LAFC are in third place in the Western Conference with an 11-8-7 record and 40 points. An upsetting night for the fans in attendance which included Prince Harry of Wales, Leonardo DiCaprio, Selena Gomez, and part owner of LAFC, Will Ferrell. The club will travel north to play against the Portland Timbers on Saturday, September 9.
