Messi Leads Inter Miami to 3-2 Comeback Win Over NYCFC

Goals:
NYCFC: Nicolás Fernández Mercau 17’, Agustín Ojeda 59’
Inter Miami CF: Gonzalo Luján 4’, Lionel Messi 61’, Micael 74’

Inter Miami CF earned a 3-2 victory over New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Sunday. Miami opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Gonzalo Luján converted a deflected effort from a corner. New York City responded in the 17th minute, with Nicolás Fernández Mercau scoring a free kick to level the match.

Early in the second half, Agustín Ojeda put the hosts ahead in the 59th minute following a move from midfield that involved Maxi Moralez and Kevin O’Toole. The lead was short-lived, as Lionel Messi equalized for Miami in the 61st minute with a free kick that deflected past goalkeeper Matt Freese.

Miami regained the advantage in the 74th minute when Micael headed in a cross from Noah Allen at the back post. New York City made several substitutions in the final stages, including Talles Magno, Drew Baiera, and Seymour Reid, in an effort to find an equalizer. The hosts created late opportunities, with Fernández Mercau and Magno combining for a shot in the 89th minute that was blocked, and Aiden O’Neill’s stoppage-time header saved by Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

Despite these efforts, New York City was unable to score again, resulting in their first defeat of the 2026 season.

Next Fixture: New York City FC will host St. Louis CITY SC on Saturday, April 4, with kickoff at 7:30 PM ET.