NYCFC defeated Inter Miami away game in a friendly match
MIAMI — (November 10, 2023) Inter Miami took on New York City FC on Friday night in a friendly match branded ‘Noche d’Or’.
We secured something very important – the first title for our club,’ Messi said. ‘It was something very important because we were looking for it and we needed it.’
Messi added: ‘I didn’t have a doubt that we were going to enjoy and have a good time. Today I have no doubt like I had in the beginning, now much less that next year will be much better.
‘We will continue to have fun and win more titles. I hope you’re with me. Like these months, next year we have very important things and we need to do it together.’
The World Cup winner, who signed a two-and-a-half-year deal, also paid tribute to Inter Miami’s supporters and the people of South Florida for making his family feel welcome following their arrival in July.
‘It’s beautiful to share it with you all – I’ve been here for a short time but it seems like I’ve been here a long time,’ he added.
‘I’d like to thank all of the people of Miami – not only the ones in the stadium but everyone here – for the treatment in these months. For myself and my family. They made me feel at home. It’s a city with a lot of Latinos and I feel comfortable
New York City Football Club recorded a 2-1 win over Inter Miami CF during the Noche D’or celebrations. NYCFC took a first-half lead through Talles Magno in the 43rd minute. They would double that advantage early into the second half thanks to a wonderful finish from Julián Fernández. The hosts were able to halve the deficit through Robbie Robinson in the 81st minute, but that proved to be the final goal of the game and saw NYCFC run out winners.
Match Recap
The Boys in Blue took their talents to South Beach for a Friday night clash with Inter Miami at DRV PNK Stadium.
The game was part of the Noche D’Or celebrations to commemorate Lionel Messi being awarded an eighth Ballon d’Or trophy late last month.
NYCFC started the quicker of the two sides and that resulted in an early chance inside four minutes.
First, it was Mounsef Bakrar who was denied by Drake Callender from a tight angle before teammate Talles Magno had his follow-up effort flash wide.
At the other end, the NYCFC defence was tested in the 20th minute when Messi wriggled free from several challenges before firing off a shot – Mitja Ilenič doing well to block the effort.
The forward would again find space in the 28th minute after exchanging passes with Diégo Gomez on the edge of the area. As he prepared to shoot he lost his footing and NYCFC were able to clear.
As the game ticked past the half-hour mark Santiago Rodríguez provided a driving run of his own that had the Miami defence backtracking. His eventual shot did not test the goalkeeper, however, and instead flew by the post.
The half finished with a bang for NYCFC as they took the lead. Some quick passing from back to front involving Andrés Perea and Rodríguez allowed the latter to find Kevin O’Toole wide on the left.
His pass inside found Talles Magno free in space and after squaring up his defender on the left-hand side of the box the Brazilian drove down the outside and fired it across the goalkeeper and into the net.
The final act of the contest saw Messi line up a freekick on the edge of the area, but his attempt ended up wide of the goal and confirmed a 2-1 win for the Boys in Blue on the road.
