Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are still searching for their first victory at their new home, finishing in a 1-1 stalemate against Eastern Conference foes, the New England Revolution on Saturday.
The hosts fell behind in the 56th minute when former MLS MVP Carles Gil skillfully finished from close range.
Miami equalized 20 minutes later as Mexico forward Germán Berterame, who has been in great form, netted a rebound after a save by New England goalkeeper Matt Turner on a shot from Luis Suárez.
Despite pressing for another goal in the closing moments, Miami remained winless in three games at Nu Stadium, following earlier 2-2 draws with Austin FC and the New York Red Bulls.
Conversely, Miami has achieved two victories on the road — against the Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake — both while under interim coach Guillermo Hoyos, who took over for Javier Mascherano on April 14.
With a record of 5-1-4, Miami sits second in the Eastern Conference, holding 19 points, and is three points ahead of New England (5-3-1).
Despite the draw, Hoyos commended his team’s efforts during a challenging week featuring three matches.
“I want to emphasize the group’s dedication this week, their performance against two competitive teams, including one in high altitude,” he stated in a press conference. “I sincerely want to congratulate them after a week of demanding competition.”
Messi was unable to record a goal or assist for the second consecutive game. The 38-year-old had two attempts thwarted by Turner from the edge of the box in the first half.
Turner ended up making nine saves in total to deny Miami a win.
However, Turner’s best save was on Messi’s best opportunity, where Messi chased down a flicked ball into the box in the 38th minute but stumbled slightly as he set up the shot. The resulting weak attempt went wide, causing Messi to look up in disbelief while smiling.
Minutes prior, Inter Miami thought they had taken the lead, but Tadeo Allende‘s shot was disallowed due to an offside call.
Inter Miami equalized in the 76th minute when Suárez maneuvered past a defender and took a shot that Turner saved. The ball fell to Berterame, who easily scored to level the match.
After going scoreless in his first eight appearances with Miami following a $15 million transfer in January, Berterame has now scored three goals in his last four contests, hitting form just in time for the World Cup this summer.
“How can Berterame not be selected for the national team?” Hoyos remarked. “He absolutely has to go. If it were up to me, he’d be on the roster.”
“He’s a natural goalscorer, an exceptional player, and a wonderful person.”
Before the equalizer, it looked like the Revolution would secure their first win against Miami since June 10, 2023, just days after Messi’s announcement of his move to MLS and joining Inter Miami, although he didn’t play until weeks later.
Since that 2023 match, Miami had outscored New England 16-5 in their four subsequent meetings, winning each comfortably.
Inter Miami has five matches remaining before MLS enters a seven-week break for the FIFA World Cup. None of the upcoming opponents — Orlando, Toronto, Cincinnati, Portland, and Philadelphia — currently have a winning record.
Toronto (3-3-4) holds a .500 record, while the other four teams rank no higher than 12th in their conference standings as of Saturday.
Report contributed by ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano and The Associated Press.