Matías Pellegrini, Inter Miami’s first-ever signing, opened his MLS account with a goal in the team’s road win against the New York Red Bulls. The team’s first signing scored what was at the time the team’s equalizing goal, arriving into the box and connecting with a cross from Lewis Morgan in stride and striking the ball into the roof of the net.
“I’m very happy about the goal but more than anything I’m happy about the win because we deserved it,” said Pellegrini. “We weren’t in a great moment but luckily we were able to earn the victory. I’m just very happy for all of us.”
The young Designated Player put in a strong shift, competing in all facets of the game in addition to his crucial goal. The midfielder won a game-high seven fouls and won 63% of his game-high 19 total duels, proving that the team’s success is most important to him.
“Matías’ case is a special one, he’s been fighting all year to be able to stand out. He’s a young player who is playing abroad for the first time, he lives alone and has the pressure of being a Designated Player for us,” said manager Diego Alonso. “He’s suffered a lot and I think he has worked to be able to play how he did today. It’s deserved and we’re really happy with his performance and, above all else, that he can regain the confidence that brought him here more than a year ago.”
Pellegrini will look to build off of his first goal and continue to find success in the early stages of his career with Inter Miami.
“The goal has given me a lot of confidence, but the important thing was confidence the manager Diego and all my teammates gave me before the match. It’s been a little difficult to adapt because it’s something new. I’m a young guy that’s still adapting to a new league and a new life, so it’s been complicated but luckily with the help of my teammates, coaching staff and the whole Club I’m adapting,” said Pellegrini. “It’s a new style of play, a new league and a new life. It’s always a challenge at first but with the help of everybody it’s getting a bit easier and I hope this will be the first step.”
Higuaín, meanwhile, expressed joy in seeing his young compatriot thrive.
“I’m really happy for Matías. He’s a great player and a great person and he trains well. When you do things well you see the fruits of your labor. I think he played a really great match and topped it off with a goal,” said Higuaín. “He deserved it so I’m happy for him. Hopefully this will help him have more belief in himself because he’s a great player. Hopefully he can continue to help us. I think he was undoubtedly one of the best players in the match.”
