Lionel Messi's 1st Inter Miami goal of season stuns LA Galaxy in extra time

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In typical Lionel Messi fashion, the first goal off his foot in the 2024 MLS season came at a time when Inter Miami needed it most. 

Playing their first road game against the LA Galaxy, Inter Miami was down 1-0 throughout the game as the referee signaled for extra time. Knowing something needed to go in the back of the net to at least force a draw, Messi got to work on the pitch. 

He used his new teammate, Jordi Alba, the former Barcelona star who followed Messi to Miami last season, to help set up the chance in front of LA Galaxy's net. 

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Lionel Messi, #10 of Inter Miami, is congratulated by DeAndre Yedlin, #2, after scoring the equalizer in injury time during the second half against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park on Feb. 25, 2024 in Carson, California. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

It was a passing clinic that initially began with a turnover by Messi until he got the ball kicked right back to his left foot. He found Alba just outside the 18-yard box, and he dropped it right back for Messi. 

Then, streaking closer to the net, Messi gave a beautiful touch pass to Alba that set up a cross to the middle. Alba, though, was not looking for anyone else other than Messi, who continued his run. 

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Sticking out his left foot, Messi connected perfectly with the Alba cross, and the goalie had no choice but to watch the ball fly into the upper regions of the net to make it a 1-1 game. 

Lionel Messi, #10 of Inter Miami, scores the equalizer in injury time during the second