Micael Dos Santos’ go-ahead goal in the 74th minute lifted Inter Miami to a 3-2 comeback victory over hosts New York City FC on Sunday afternoon.
Dos Santos headed home a beautiful cross from fellow defender Noah Allen, which found its way past NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese and gave Inter Miami (3-1-1, 10 points) their first MLS win since March 7.
Lionel Messi scored his 901st career goal and Gonzalo Lujan scored his first career MLS goal for Inter Miami, which bounced back after being eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Wednesday after two draws against Nashville and advancing on the away goals tiebreak.
NYCFC (3-1-1, 10 points) suffered their first loss of the season and went on a three-match winning streak despite goals from Nicolas Fernandez Mercau and Agustin Ojeda.
Maxi Moralez provided his own great assist for Ojeda in the 59th minute to briefly put NYCFC ahead 2-1.
Moralez sent a great ball through traffic up the middle of the field to Ojeda, who was unchallenged, and tapped the ball past Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.
But two minutes later, Inter Miami were awarded a free kick and Messi delivered. His shot was deflected off NYCFC’s Hannes Wolf and past Freese (five saves) to tie the game at 2-2.
Messi could have found the net twice before, in the 31st and 42nd minutes, but the woodwork denied him both times.
Dos Santos then restored the lead for Miami to secure full points at Yankee Stadium and head into the international break on a high.
Published on March 23, 2026
