James Sands' header in final seconds spoils Lionel Messi's trip to Yankees Stadium, as NYCFC ties Inter Miami
NEW YORK -- James Sands scored late in stoppage time and New York FC salvaged a 1-1 draw with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami on Saturday.
Miami (19-4-7) didn't get on the board until the 75th minute when Leo Campana, a late entry to the game, finished a play started by Messi. Messi carried the ball forward before finding Jordi Alba to his left streaking inside the box and he tapped it across to a wide-open Campana.
New York (11-11-8) got a corner kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time and Santiago Rodriguez sent a perfect feed into the box where Sands was wide open at the 6-yard line to head the ball just inside the near post.
The game drew 44,738 to Yankee Stadium, the second highest total in NYFC history. The two clubs played to 1-1 draw in Miami on March 30.
Inter Miami started the day eight points ahead of next closest team in Supporters' Shield race with four matches left.
Inter Miami returns home to play Charlotte FC on Saturday. NYCFC travels to play the New York Red Bulls on Saturday.
It was a great day for soccer fans in the Bronx
Messi jerseys could be seen all over, with vendors selling merchandise near the stadium.
CBS News New York caught up with several fans on both sides who wanted to see one of the top soccer players in the world.
"I always wanted to see Messi play. I had good seats today. I can't believe what I saw out there, but I know he was hurt a little bit. But just to see him was amazing. It felt like I was at a World Cup game or something. There's something to be said about seeing the best players in the world," said Diego Duque of Stamford, Connecticut.
"It was amazing. You could hear the whole stadium roar when he came out and [they] announced his name," said Daniel Light of Tampa, Florida.
"This was actually my first soccer game I went to watch live," added Yunus Quedwai of Sayerville, New Jersey.
Messi still working his way back into form
The match was Messi's third since returning from an injury. Spectators said the popular player wasn't at his best, but seeing him play was well worth it.
"I think he was maybe taking it a little easy," said Nicole Johnson of Stamford, Connecticut.
"He was a little bit tired. We all wanted more, but just to be a part of it," another fan said.
Spectators said the popular player wasn't at his best, but seeing him play was well worth it.
"I wanted to see him in the front row and I got to see him. I got some nice pictures up front and I couldn't believe it. I was amazed," Diego Duque of Stamford.
But not everyone was there to see Messi and Inter Miami. NYCFC fans came out in full force.
"More than I've ever seen," Harry Cushing said. "The atmosphere was much louder. There were a lot more people."
"We don't worry about who's here or who's coming from out of town. We're NYC all day," added Henry Turcios of Freeport, New York.
"He didn't score so I'm good with it. We all love Messi, but as long as he doesn't score against our team we're good with it," an NYCFC fan said.
