Los Angeles, Miami draw 1-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park home opener
The stars were out over Dominguez Hills on Feb. 25, when the LA Galaxy hosted Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in their 2024 MLS season home opener at Dignity Health Sports Park. The game attracted 27,642 fans to the stadium, setting a regular season attendance record.
Fans poured into the park hours before the 6:10 p.m. kickoff to take in the spectacle of the match, which included sightings of some of the game’s biggest names. From a booth over the west sideline, English soccer legend and former Galaxy midfielder David Beckham waved to the cheering crowd just before the game. Beckham, who played in Los Angeles from 2007 until 2012, is now part-owner of Inter Miami.
Soon after, Messi walked onto the pitch with the rest of Inter Miami for warmups. Fans rose to their feet and broke out their phones to record the Argentine superstar and his teammates preparing for the match.
The game got off to a fast start, as Galaxy midfielder Diego Fagúndez scored from a giveaway by Miami in the second minute. The referee then blew the whistle, indicating that Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig fouled Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets just before the goal was scored. As a result, the goal did not count.
The Galaxy continued to pressure Miami, eventually earning a penalty after Busquets fouled Joseph Paintsil just outside the six yard box in the 11th minute. Miami goalkeeper Drake Callendar produced a good save off of Puig’s penalty to keep the score 0-0. Callendar would continue to hold the Galaxy at bay, making eight saves throughout the game.
LA racked up 12 shots on goal and controlled the game through the first half, limiting Miami to two shots. The Galaxy’s aggressive play paid off in the second half, when forward Dejan Jovelic scored from close range off an assist from midfielder Mark Delgado.
Miami totaled seven shots in the second half and responded in the 92nd minute, when Messi linked up with former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba to put a shot in the roof of the net. Although the game ended in a 1-1 draw, both teams walked away from Dignity Health Sports Park with pride.
Miami coach Gerardo Martino lauded his team for coming back to tie the game. “I believe we played better in the second half, we had chances (to score)…(and) We arrived well to the tie, with a superb moment from Leo (Messi).”
Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney said he was impressed by his team’s performance.
“I see what this team is capable of even on a night like tonight, and knowing the guys are still coming together and getting healthy,” Vanney said. “I really am excited about the group we have.”
