The numbers
In a thrilling encounter at Yankee Stadium on March 22, 2026, Inter Miami secured a hard-fought victory over New York City FC, winning 3-2. The match featured standout performances, particularly from Lionel Messi, who scored a stunning free kick in the 60th minute, marking the 901st goal of his illustrious career.
Gonzalo Luján opened the scoring for Inter Miami just three minutes into the match, setting the tone for an exciting game. New York City FC responded with goals from Nicolás Fernández in the 17th minute and Agustín Ojeda in the 59th minute, but it was not enough to clinch the win.
Micael added to Inter Miami’s tally with a goal in the 74th minute, further solidifying their lead. The match was characterized by Inter Miami’s offensive prowess, as they recorded 22 shots compared to NYCFC’s 11, and maintained 55.4% possession throughout the game.
Dayne St. Clair, Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, played a crucial role in securing the victory, making a vital save in stoppage time that preserved the lead. His performance, along with the team’s overall effort, was praised by interim manager Leandro Stillitano, who stepped in for Javier Mascherano, who was suspended for the match.
Mascherano, despite being sidelined, expressed pride in his team’s resilience, stating, “The team and the players showed great character to come back and turn the game around.” Ian Fray, a key player for Inter Miami, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team’s determination to bounce back quickly after previous challenges.
Inter Miami, the defending MLS champion, continues to build momentum as they prepare for their upcoming match against Austin FC on April 4, which will mark the opening of their new venue, Nu Stadium. Fans are eager to see how the team will perform in front of their home crowd.
As the season progresses, observers are keen to see if Inter Miami can maintain their winning form and how they will adapt to the challenges ahead. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the team’s strategy moving forward, but the excitement surrounding their recent victory is palpable.