Inter Miami won back-to-back without Messi
Since 1996, MLS has still taken place on a number of occasions when national teams gather to compete according to the FIFA calendar (FIFA Days). According to coach Tata Martino's proposal, from next season, MLS will stop playing if it overlaps with FIFA Days, but for now, the tournament will still follow the old schedule at the end of this season.
Therefore, due to being busy joining up with Argentina to play two qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup in South America against Ecuador on September 7 and Bolivia on September 12, Messi was absent from the Kansas City match this morning, September 10, Hanoi time. The Argentine star only returned for the match against Atlanta United on September 16.
Without Messi, Miami still has the services of two rookie stars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets - the duo who have retired from the Spain national team. In attack, Leonardo Campana plays highest and receives support from the trio of Robert Robinson, Nicolas Stefanelli and Facundo Farias.
Miami conceded in the 9th minute because of goalkeeper Drake Callender's mistake. Felipe Gutierrez shot from outside the penalty area right at Callender's position, but the Miami goalkeeper missed, allowing Daniel Salloi to kick in the corner to open the score.
After that, Miami regained the game and continuously created opportunities. In the 23rd minute, Campana took a pass from Dixon Arroyo into the penalty area and was fouled by goalkeeper Tim Melia, resulting in a penalty. On the 11m mark, it was the Ecuadorian striker who took responsibility, scoring a low shot to the right corner to equalize the score. At the end of the first half, Campana completed the double with a powerful header from the right wing of DeAndre Yedlin - who wore the Miami captain's armband this match.
In the 60th minute, Miami widened the gap to 3-1 thanks to Busquets' mischievous handling. While the Sporting KC players were still arguing with the referee, the Spanish midfielder took the ball, put it on the ground and took a quick free kick for Facundo Farias to cross. He rushed straight into the penalty area and shot towards the near corner to beat Melia.
In the remaining minutes, Kansas City only scored one more goal thanks to Alan Pulido's curling shot to the far corner. The 3-2 victory helped Inter Miami extend their unbeaten streak to 11 matches, including 10 wins and one draw.
The victory over Kansas City also helps the team under coach Martino continue to maintain hope of competing for tickets to the MLS Play-offs. Miami currently has 28 points, six points ahead of bottom team Toronto FC in the East, and behind ninth place D.C. United - last place with tickets to MLS Play-offs - six points, but is playing two fewer matches.
