Inter Miami kicked off their MLS season with a win over Real Salt Lake at home. Lionel Messi did not get on the scoresheet on Wednesday night but managed to grab an assist in the game.
Robert Taylor and Diego Gomez scored the goals for Tata Martino’s side as they eased to a 2-0 win in the season opener at the Chase Stadium. Here are the player ratings:
Inter Miami Player Ratings:
Drake Callender – 7 | The goalkeeper had very little to do in the game as Real Salt Lake had just two shots on target. He managed to save both with ease and did not have to break a sweat in the first half.
DeAndre Yedlin – 7 | The right-back had a neat and tidy game as he finished without committing a single foul. He was a rock at the back but still not the best defender on the pitch.
Tomás Avilés – 7.5 | The teenager was outstanding for the 77 minutes he played and ensured that there was no opponent going past him.
Serhiy Kryvtsov – 8 | The experienced defender was the pick of the lot for Tata Martino’s side on Wednesday night. He played the full game, did not commit a foul, and finished with 91% pass success.
Jordi Alba – 7/5 | The Spaniard was more involved in the attack than the defense on Wednesday night. He was linking up with the goalscorers – Diego Gomez and Robert Taylor – on the left flank and making it hard for Real Salt Lake.
Julian Gressel – The debutant did not have a game to remember. It was clear that he was nervous and was unable to link up well with his teammates in the 77 minutes he played.
Sergio Busquets – 7.5 | Another solid performance from the experienced midfielder and he helped ease things for Inter Miami. Proved once again that he can be a reliable asset and will be key for the club’s season.
Diego Gómez – 9 | The 20-year-old was everywhere in attack and was exceptional in linking with his teammates. The goal was just a cherry on top of his performance.
Lionel Messi – 8.5 | The Argentine is back to full fitness and showed that he still has a few years left in him. He assisted once and was close to scoring on multiple occasions, including a 30-yard free-kick, which was cleared off the line.
Luis Suárez – 7 | A decent debut for the Uruguayan in MLS but he is off pace when compared to his teammates. He came close to scoring once but missed his chance. Managed to play 89 minutes and assisted once.
Robert Taylor – 9 | The Finnish star has picked up from where he left last season. He has been brilliant in linking his Messi and Suarez and was the focal point inside the box.
David Ruiz – 6.5 | Had very little to do in the game and managed just 10 touches in his 14+ minutes on the pitch.
Noah Allen – 7 | Came off for Tomas Aviles and managed to ensure that there were no mishaps in the defence. Finished with six touches in his 14+ minutes on the pitch.
Jean Mota – 6.5 | Another star who was brought on in the midfield to ensure there were no counters from Real Salt Lake. He did his job well but had very little to do.
Lawson Sunderland – 6 | Replaced Sergio Busquets right after the second goal was scored and did a fine job in the midfield for the final few minutes of the game.
Leonardo Campana – 5 | Came on for the final seconds and had nothing to do.
Real Salt Lake Player Ratings:
Zac MacMath – 7 | Real Salt Lake’s most reliable player despite conceding twice as he made 3 saves but should have done a lot better for the first goal.
Emeka Eneli – 6 | Found it hard to keep Robert Taylor and Luis Suarez quiet.
Justen Glad – 7 | Pick of the Real Salt Lake defenders as he managed to stick with Luis Suarez on most occasions.
Brayan Vera – 6.5. | Did well to mark Suarez when Glad needed help but Messi was making things hard for him.
Andrew Brody – 5.5 | Struggled to keep Lionel Messi in check and was mostly drifting into the opponent’s half.
Braian Ojeda – 6.5 | The defensive midfielder had a decent outing and was trying his best to stop the link-up between Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi.
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Nelson Palacio – 6 | Another Real Salt Lake player who struggled because of Lionel Messi as the Argentine was running rings around him.
Andrés Gómez – 5 | Struggled to make any impact on the game despite playing 66 minutes. Had one shot, but it went off-target.
Pablo Ruiz – 7 | The midfielder was all over the pitch to help out as he needed to dig deep and run with Messi and co when needed.
Diego Luna – 6 | Tried his best to keep the attack going and was often finding space behind Yedlin. But could not make the most of things.
Cristian Arango – 7.5 | The best player for Real Salt Lake on Wednesday night as he was trying his best to get them back in the game. He was excellent in the second half but failed to score.
Fidel Barajas – 6 | Replaced the struggling Nelson Palacio, but could not do much himself.
Anderson Julio – 6.5 | The forward just had to get the basics right to be better than Gomez in the game, and he did exactly that. His only shot in the game was blocked but he managed to create a chance for his teammate.
Noel Caliskan – 6.5 | Came on for the final 20 minutes and did his job well in attack, but could not get on the scoresheet or assist.