Messi threads a pass into the box for Germán Berterame, whose right‑footed shot from the center of the area is saved by Matt Turner. The quick combination shows Messi dropping deep to create Inter Miami’s first clear chance.

After a give‑and‑go with Germán Berterame, Messi unleashes a left‑footed strike from outside the box toward the top right corner, but Matt Turner makes a flying save. It’s one of Messi’s earliest threatening efforts from distance.

From a corner routine, Messi swings in a precise cross that finds Germán Berterame in the center of the box, but the header drifts wide to the right. Messi’s delivery again creates danger even though the chance is not converted.

Messi breaks into the box onto a through ball from Luis Suárez and hits a left‑footed shot from the center of the area that goes just wide to the left. The move showcases their familiar partnership, narrowly missing the opener.

Messi finds Preston Plambeck in space and sets him up for a left‑footed shot from outside the box, which Turner saves low to his bottom left. Messi continues to act as creator, sparking another dangerous effort from range.

Cesar Abadia-Reda feeds Messi, who attempts a left‑footed shot from outside the box, but the effort is blocked before it can test the goalkeeper. The move underscores Miami’s sustained attacking intent with Messi at the center.

Set up by Germán Berterame, Messi tries a right‑footed shot from outside the box that sails too high over the bar. Even on his weaker foot, he keeps searching for a late winner from distance.