Lionel Messi Draws A Blank As Luis Suarez Helps Inter Miami Wdge Real Salt Lake In MLS

Last Updated:April 23, 2026, 11:00 IST

Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul scored late as Inter Miami beat Real Salt Lake 2-0, Lionel Messi went goalless despite creating chances in Major League Soccer.

Luis Suarez opened his account for the season as Inter Miami CF secured a late 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Wednesday, while Lionel Messi endured a rare goalless outing.

The match in Salt Lake City drew huge attention, with fans paying an average ticket price of more than $450 to see Messi. The Argentine superstar played the full 90 minutes and was central to Miami’s attacking play, creating several chances but failing to beat goalkeeper Rafael Cabral.

How Inter Miami Vs Real Salt Lake – How It Happened

Despite dominating long spells of the game, Miami had to wait until the closing stages to break the deadlock. Rodrigo De Paul stepped up in the 82nd minute, unleashing a powerful strike following a corner that slipped past Cabral into the top-right corner.“I think we played a great first half," De Paul said after the match. “It was a beautiful goal, and as long as it helps the team, that’s great," he added.

Just a minute later, Suárez sealed the result. The Uruguayan veteran reacted quickest to a header from Germán Berterame, finishing clinically with a left-footed effort to double Miami’s advantage. The goal was Suárez’s first of the 2026 campaign and his 44th in 93 appearances for the club.

The victory extended Miami’s strong run under interim coach Guillermo Hoyos, with the team now unbeaten in eight league matches since their opening-day defeat. They sit second in the Eastern Conference with 18 points, just behind leaders Nashville SC.

Reflecting on the performance, Hoyos praised his players’ effort and intensity. “It was a great and emotional match against a strong team that plays good football, that tries to play and impose its style. The players expressed themselves well, and we have to thank them for all the effort and everything they gave on the field, because they performed at a very high level," he said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

News sports football Lionel Messi Draws A Blank As Luis Suarez Helps Inter Miami Wdge Real Salt Lake In MLS

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