Inter Miami vs. San Jose A Thrilling 3-3 Draw Lights Up MLS 2025

S

The highly anticipated matchup between San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami CF on May 14, 2025 at PayPal Park delivered everything fans could hope for and more. inter Miami is strong side. In what will surely be remembered as one of the most entertaining matches of the 2025 MLS season, the two teams battled to a 3-3 draw in a game featuring world-class talent, dramatic momentum swings, and unforgettable moments. MLS

Match Preview: Messi Mania Comes to Silicon Valley

All eyes were on Lionel Messi as he made his first-ever appearance in the Bay Area, drawing a sellout crowd of 18,000 fans to PayPal Park. The match represented a classic clash of styles – San Jose’s organized defensive structure against Miami’s free-flowing attacking play led by the Argentine maestro.

Confirmed Starting Lineups

San Jose Earthquakes (4-2-3-1 Formation):

• GK: Daniel De Sousa Britto
• DEF: Carlos Akapo, Rodrigues, Nathan, Paul Marie
• MID: Jackson Yueill, Carlos Gruezo
• ATT: Cristian Espinoza, Beau Leroux, Jeremy Ebobisse
• ST: Cristian Arango

Inter Miami CF (4-3-3 Formation):

• GK: Drake Callender
• DEF: DeAndre Yedlin, Sergii Kryvtsov, Maximiliano Falcón, Jordi Alba
• MID: Sergio Busquets, Yannick Bright, Diego Gómez
• ATT: Lionel Messi, Tadeo Allende, Baltasar Rodríguez

First Half A Record-Breaking Goal Fest

The match exploded into life from the opening whistle, setting a pace that would continue throughout the 90 minutes.

Fastest Goal in Inter Miami History (35 seconds)

The visitors shocked the home crowd when Maximiliano Falcón rose highest to meet Jordi Alba’s inch-perfect corner, powering a header past De Sousa Britto. This marked the quickest goal ever scored by Inter Miami in MLS competition.

Instant Response from San Jose (3rd minute)

The Earthquakes showed tremendous character by equalizing just two minutes later. Cristian Espinoza played a clever through ball to Cristian Arango, who calmly slotted home past Drake Callender. This rapid exchange marked only the fifth time in MLS history that both teams scored within the first three minutes of a match.

Midfield Battle Takes Shape

Following the frantic start, the game settled into an intriguing tactical battle. San Jose’s midfield duo of Jackson Yueill and Carlos Gruezo worked tirelessly to contain Messi’s influence, while Miami’s Sergio Busquets pulled the strings with his trademark passing range.

Leroux’s Wonder Strike (37th minute)

The home team took the lead in spectacular fashion when Beau Leroux received the ball 25 yards out and unleashed an unstoppable drive into the top corner, leaving Callender with no chance. The goal sent the PayPal Park faithful into raptures and showcased the young midfielder’s growing reputation.

Miami’s Resilience Shines (44th minute)

Just when San Jose seemed headed into halftime with the lead, Tadeo Allende demonstrated his poacher’s instincts by reacting quickest to a deflected Jordi Alba cross, slotting home from close range.

Late First-Half Drama (45+2′)

The action wasn’t done yet. In first-half stoppage time, Ian Harkes (who came on as an early substitute) gave San Jose the lead again with a composed left-footed finish after excellent work from Beau Leroux, sending the teams into the break at 3-2.

Second Half Tactical Adjustments and Missed Opportunities

The second half began with both managers making strategic changes:

Messi’s Growing Influence

While relatively quiet in the first half, Lionel Messi  began to take control of the game, dropping deeper to orchestrate play. His vision and passing range caused constant problems for San Jose’s defense.

Allende’s Second Levels the Score (52nd minute)

Inter Miami’s pressure paid off when debutant Baltasar Rodríguez combined with Messi before delivering a perfect cross for Tadeo Allende to score his second of the night. The young Uruguayan continues to impress with his movement and finishing ability.

Key Moments That Could Have Won It

• 65th minute: Messi’s free kick from 25 yards rattled the crossbar
• 72nd minute: San Jose’s Arango missed a golden chance from 6 yards out
• 88th minute: Miami’s Rodríguez forced a spectacular save from De Sousa Britto

Messi’s Last-Gasp Chance (90+3′)

In the dying moments, Messi nearly stole all three points with a trademark curling effort destined for the top corner, only to be denied by a world-class save from Daniel De Sousa Britto, preserving the draw.

Post-Match Analysis Key Takeaways

Standout Performers

• Tadeo Allende (Inter Miami): 2 goals, constant threat
• Beau Leroux (San Jose): 1 goal, 1 assist, midfield dominance
• Jordi Alba (Inter Miami): 2 assists, tireless running
• Daniel De Sousa Britto (San Jose): Several crucial saves

Tactical Observations

• San Jose’s high press caused Miami problems in buildup
• Miami’s fullbacks (Alba/Yedlin) provided crucial width
• Second-half substitutions impacted the game’s flow

By the Numbers

What This Result Means

For San Jose Earthquakes:

• Extends unbeaten run to 3 matches
• Shows resilience against elite competition
• Leroux emerging as a key player

For Inter Miami CF:

• Maintains position near top of Eastern Conference
• Allende proving to be a reliable goal threat
• Defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern

Looking Ahead Upcoming Fixtures

San Jose Earthquakes next face:

• LA Galaxy (May 18) – California Clasico
• Seattle Sounders (May 25) – Tough road test

Inter Miami CF prepare for:

• Orlando City SC (May 18) – Florida derby
• FIFA Club World Cup debut vs Al Ahly (June 14)

This 3-3 thriller perfectly encapsulated why MLS continues to grow in popularity worldwide. From record-breaking early goals to world-class individual performances, the match had something for every football fan. While Messi didn’t find the scoresheet, his quality and influence were evident throughout. Young stars like Allende and Leroux showed they belong on the big stage, while veterans like Busquets and Alba demonstrated their enduring class.

Share This Post: