Lionel Messi was rated 5.8 after Inter Miami drew 1-1 with New York City FC in round 30 of MLS yesterday, September 21.
Messi played the entire New York City FC 1-1 Inter Miami match, but did not shine as expected by fans. The only notable move from the Argentine striker was a pass to the left wing, creating an opportunity for Jordi Alba to cross inside for Leonardo Campana to tap in the opening score in the 75th minute.
Sport Dunia gave Messi a 5.8 rating, the lowest of any player on the pitch. “Messi had a poor game considering his standards and his performance in the last game against Philadelphia. He had the ball in important situations, but did not create anything,” the newspaper said.
Messi (center) dribbles the ball during the New York City FC 1-1 Inter Miami match on the evening of September 21. Photo: Imagn
Messi ‘s score was also the only top 5. The second lowest score belonged to another Inter Miami striker, Robert Taylor, at 6, while Luis Suarez received a 6.1. Campana came off the bench to replace Taylor, but was given a 7.4.
The highest-rated player of the match was New York City FC’s Santiago Rodriguez, with a score of 8.5. The Uruguayan winger had four shots on goal and assisted the equalizer in the 90+5 minute. The equalizer’s header, James Sands, received the second-highest score of 8.1.
At New York City FC, Messi, Suarez and Robert Taylor started in attack for Inter Miami. But the MLS leaders only had six shots and two on target, compared to the hosts’ 17 and 4. This was the second consecutive draw for Messi and his teammates, following a 2-2 draw with Atlanta United.
Inter Miami still lead MLS with 64 points after 30 games, eight points ahead of second-placed Columbus Crew but having played one game more.
Players’ scores
New York City FC: Matt Freese 6.3, Tayvon Gray 6.7, Thiago Martins 6.9, Strahinja Tanasijevic 6.9, Kevin O’Toole 6.8, Keaton Parks 7.5, James Sands 8.1, Hannes Wolf 7.1 Maximiliano Moralez 7.7, Santiago Rodriguez 8.5, Alonso Martinez 6.3
Inter Miami: Drake Callender 7.4, Ian Fray 7.4, Tomas Aviles 7.6, Noah Allen 7.6, Jordi Alba 7.7, Julian Gressel 6.7, Yannick Bright 6.4, Federico Redondo 7.2 , Lionel Messi 5.8, Luis Suarez 6.1, Robert Taylor 6, Leonardo Campana 7.4
