MLS

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami’s final game of the year was all about celebrating Lionel Messi and his record eighth Ballon d’Or, but apparently no one told New York City FC that.

The Messi festivities were spoiled by NYCFC on Friday night, as Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 home loss in a friendly at Drv Pnk Stadium that marked the South Florida side’s last match of 2023. Talles Magno led the way for the visiting side with a goal and assist, but Inter Miami found some life late through a finish from substitute Robbie Robinson.

Unfortunately for Messi and the Herons, that was as close as they got to salvaging a result in front of their home crowd. Messi, who showed off his Ballon d’Or trophy prior to kickoff, played the entire 90 minutes.

• New York City FC: Talles Magno (Santiago Rodriguez) 43’

• New York City FC: Julian Fernandez (Talles Magno) 48’

• Inter Miami: Robbie Robinson (Sergio Busquets) 81’