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Veteran centre-back Giorgio Chiellini, a European champion with Italy, was left stunned as his Los Angeles FC side lost 3-1 at home to Inter Miami - a performance that saw Lionel Messi provide two assists to put the team three goals ahead.
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| Lionel Messi had 2 assists to help Inter Miami win 3-1 right at Los Angeles FC's field. |
Inter Miami have remained unbeaten since Messi arrived in mid-July, and on Sunday night they played their best game of the season at home to the reigning MLS Cup champions. Messi had two assists and the visitors were scored by Facundo Farias, Jordi Alba and Leonardo Campana. Los Angeles FC scored a consolation goal through Ryan Hollingshead in the final minute. Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino was delighted: “We have had many difficult games, but I think with the quality of the opponent today, this was one of the biggest challenges but also the game where we performed our best. I think that is a very good sign.”
Chiellini, who is in his second season with Los Angeles FC in MLS, has insisted that Messi's Inter Miami are the "best" team he has faced in American football. "To be honest, Inter Miami are by far the best team I have faced in MLS. Yes, by far!" the 39-year-old Italian centre-back stressed.
The former Juventus and Italy centre-back, who has faced Messi at all levels, also praised Messi for what he has done for Miami and the league as a whole: “Leo’s arrival in the league is a great thing, not only for Miami, but also for the attention that people are now paying to MLS. It’s a big step forward for the league.”
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Giorgio Chiellini's side were unable to prevent Lionel Messi from inspiring victory. |
After the defeat, LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo spoke frankly about Messi's impact in MLS: "He's the best player in the world , what do you think he's going to do when he comes here?! Miami is playing a very disciplined football. And with Messi, obviously they are extremely effective in attack. We didn't have many chances and the reality on the pitch showed why?".
Messi has 11 goals and eight assists for Miami, helping the team close the gap to eight points for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with eight games remaining. However, Sunday's game will be Messi's last for Miami for at least two weeks. The 36-year-old returns to Argentina for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador on Thursday and Bolivia five days later.
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