Inter Miami CF Homegrown David Ruiz and captain Lionel Messi have been named to the Team of the Matchday for Matchday 8 of the 2024 MLS regular season. The pair earned Team of the Matchday honors for their contributions in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against the Colorado Rapids over the weekend.
Ruiz earns a spot in the Team of the Matchday starting XI after his dynamic performance against Colorado in which he notched his first assist of the 2024 MLS campaign. In his fourth start of the MLS season, the 20-year-old Academy product, who was deployed at right back in the match, played a pivotal role in securing the team’s second goal in the 60th minute. He delivered a pinpoint low cross into the middle of the box, setting up Leo Afonso for his first goal with the Club’s First Team.
Meanwhile, Messi is selected for the Team of the Matchday bench after his first appearance back on the pitch since being sidelined at the start of March due to injury. The Argentine maestro delivered a stellar performance during his 45 minutes of action, finding the back of the net just 13 minutes after entering the pitch and subsequently kickstarting the play that led to the team’s second goal on the night. Messi tied the match 1-1 in the 58th minute courtesy of a Franco Negri assist that was delivered to the edge of the box, where Messi sent the ball to the back of the net with a first-time 18-yard curler to the far post. This goal marked Messi's fourth in the regular season and his sixth across all competitions this season.
2024 Inter Miami Team of the Matchday Honorees:
- Matchday 8: David Ruiz and Lionel Messi
