Messi’s Inter Miami beat New York City to reach third straight MLS playoff

Obviously, there’s a lot to improve, but we’re making progress little by little,” Gonzalez said.Messi – who had scored twice on Saturday after returning to his club side from last week’s emotional Argentina send-off – was again a dangerous presence, playing a hand in both first-half goals.In the 20th minute, Messi trapped the ball just outside the penalty area and passed it to De Paul, who found Suarez on the….

Berterame brought the ball across the halfway line and was slightly fortunate to find Messi to his right with a mishit pass.Messi drew in three defenders then laid it off with the outside of his left foot to De Paul, who slammed it high to the keeper’s right.In a goalless second half, Messi sent a curling effort from just outside the box over the bar.As the game clock hit 90,….

United States national team goalkeeper Matt Freese made a superb diving save, tipping the ball onto the post.New York City, on a dire streak of just one win in their last 11 MLS games, at least had a chance for a consolation deep in stoppage time with a penalty.Ian Fray brought down fellow substitute Talles Magno, who turned sharply away from goal and ran into the defender’s trailing leg.But Dayne….

We didn’t get caught out on the counter and were very aggressive, breaking up plays whenever a sudden transition from them looked likely,” said Gonzalez.“Perhaps our ball circulation was a bit too slow at times, but that’s just how the game played out.”Even with first-place Nashville out of sight this year in the Eastern Conference, the win consolidated Miami’s grip on second and home-field advantage into the playoffs.

Messi assist sets Inter Miami on way to 2-0 win against New York City FC as back-to-back wins guarantee playoff place.