Messi Shines, But Inter Miami Falls to NYCFC in Engaging Friendly

You know, even with Lionel Messi gracing the pitch and, as expected, finding the back of the net, Inter Miami just couldn't quite seal the deal against New York City FC. It was only a friendly, mind you, but that 2-1 defeat at DRV PNK Stadium on March 30th certainly gave fans and coaches alike something to chew on.

The match, played under the lights in Fort Lauderdale, really got going when NYCFC broke the deadlock. It was Julian Fernandez who put the visitors ahead, catching Inter Miami a bit flat-footed, you could say. That goal certainly spiced things up, giving New York City a confidence boost early on in what was a pretty competitive contest for an exhibition.

But then, because of course, there was a moment of pure magic from the man himself, Lionel Messi. He popped up with the equalizer, a truly class finish that just reminded everyone why he's considered the greatest. You could feel the collective gasp, then the roar, as he brought his team level – a brilliant piece of play that seemed to ignite the home side's hopes.

However, the joy was, shall we say, a bit short-lived. NYCFC wasn't done, and Agustin Ojeda managed to slot home what turned out to be the winning goal for them. It was a tough pill to swallow for the home crowd, seeing their side go down again after fighting back so valiantly.

So, while the final score might just be '2-1 to NYCFC' in the record books for an exhibition game, it still offers a glimpse into where Inter Miami stands. Coach Tata Martino is undoubtedly looking for consistency, and even in these less consequential matches, you want to see your team performing at its peak, especially with the talent they have. It’s all part of the journey, I suppose, refining the squad and ironing out those little creases before the really big games roll around.

Ultimately, despite the star power on display, it was New York City FC who walked away with bragging rights on the night. For Inter Miami, it’s back to the drawing board, perhaps, knowing that even the presence of a legend like Messi doesn't guarantee a win without the full team firing on all cylinders.