Chase Stadium- Inter Miami CF grinded out a gritty 2-1 victory Saturday night over a tough and physical Philadelphia Union squad. Robert Taylor, making his first start of the season, scored the Heron’s initial goal in the 23rd minute off a cross into the box by Benjamin Cremaschi. Lionel Messi, just two minutes after entering the match as a second-half substitute, scored a dazzling goal that would prove to be the game-winner. Daniel Gazdag discounted for Philadelphia in the 80th minute to make the final moments of the match tense and stressful for the home fans.
Starting XI
Javier Mascherano left Lionel Messi and Telasco Segovia on the bench to begin the match, most likely to have them fresh for the Heron’s CONCACAF Champions matchup with LAFC on April 3rd. Oscar Ustari started in goal, with Jordi Alba, Maxi Falcon, Tomas Aviles, and Ian Fray as his backline. Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo, and Benjamin Cremaschi manned the midfield. Luis Suarez, Robert Taylor, and Fafa Picault led the frontline attack.
Mascherano fooled me.. #Messi & Segovia will come off the bench …Picault & Taylor accompany Suarez… He’s likely saving #Messi & Segovia for long minutes in #concacafchampionscup 🆚 LAFC … https://t.co/KSc8gMASYQ pic.twitter.com/lj4PfbN5VJ
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) March 29, 2025
Match Action
The Herons began the match playing on Philly’s side of the pitch with some approximations early on. Robert Taylor crossed a ball from the right flank into the box, and Fafa Picault skied to head it off the crossbar with a bang nearly five minutes into the game.
Sergio Busquets launched a wonderful through ball behind the Philadelphia defense that led to a sequence of slick touches that ended with a precise assist by Benjamin Cremaschi to Robert Taylor.
Sergio Busquets filters a pass behind the Philly defense & after a sequence of slick touches by the Herons, Robert Taylor pushes it to the back of the net for the 1-0 #InterMiamiCF lead … Cremaschi with the assist at the 23rd minute…#MLS
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) March 30, 2025
In the second half, Lionel Messi subbed in and scored almost immediately. On a counterattack, Luis Suarez laid the ball off to Messi, who made his defender dance before placing the ball with his right foot into the corner off the Philly net. Miami led 2-0 with the Goat’s exquisite finish.
The GOAT 🐐 comes on the pitch & almost immediately scores Miami’s 2nd goal of the night off a Luis Suarez assist…#InterMiamiCF leads 2-0 57th minute…#MLS #Messi
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) March 30, 2025
Philadelphia’s number 10, Daniel Gazdag, scored a wonderful goal of his own in the 80th minute to make the final moments of the match nail-biting ones for the home fans. Quinn Sullivan crossed a ball into Gazdag, who, with great technique, controlled and volleyed a rocket past Drake Callender to make it 2-1. The final minutes seemed never-ending for Miami as Philadelphia attacked relentlessly, forcing the Herons back onto their side of the pitch. Eventually, the final whistle blew, and Inter Miami secured three gritty and hard-fought points at home.
Quality service from @QuinnSullivan33 to Gazdag!
Watch on #MLSSeasonPass: https://t.co/V9cFu20pYp#DOOP | 🐍 1-2 🦩 pic.twitter.com/ayHYlVazVA
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) March 30, 2025
Postgame
Coach Javier Mascherano was asked about Lionel Messi after the match, particularly why he came off the bench versus Philadelphia.
We wanted Leo to have minutes, the idea was for him to play 30-35 minutes…We didn’t want to risk him starting because we thought that if he played the whole match we risked him getting injured.
Mascherano has been cautious with Leo Messi and is doing all he can to have his superstar stay healthy for the long run of the season. It’s imperative that he also take care of aging legends Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. They need to have periods of rest throughout the season if they are to make it fit and healthy through to the end.
Final Thoughts
Inter Miami pulled off a gritty win Saturday night versus a physical and relentless Philadelphia Union squad. The Union was a tough test for Miami, and the Herons passed the test. Miami was not at full strength initially, with Lionel Messi and Telasco Segovia on the bench to begin the game, and they still controlled the match early. The defense held a strong attacking team scoreless for 80 minutes and denied the league’s leading scorer a goal in the game. They are all good signs early in the season that Miami is headed in the right direction.
Benjamin Cremaschi gets a lot of flak from many in the fanbase, but he is a very important player for Mascherano. The young Heron has played multiple positions this season and has excelled defensively with his non-stop motor. On Saturday night, he was solid once again defensively and also assisted on Robert Taylor’s goal.
Maxi Falcon is a defensive stalwart. The center-back has been really good for Miami; his hustle, along with his passion, is endearing him to the home fans. It’s only a matter of time until we see a dedicated group of fans wearing wigs (pelucas) at home matches.
Lionel Messi is not human. He never ceases to amaze, nearly 38 years old, and he still dominates when he’s on the pitch. Let’s enjoy his greatness while we have it in Miami. Messi, along with the Fantastics, are a pleasure to watch even in the twilight of their careers.
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