The first opener of the new USL season kicked off on Thursday morning (22), with Argentinean Ballon d'Or winner Mez coming on as a raw talent, offering a key assist to help Inter Miami beat Real Salt Lake 2-0 at home. The 36-year-old played the entire match as a starter, as if he had regained his old best form.
Inter Miami sent out their strongest lineup in this match, with the "Barcelona 4" - Misi, Suarez, Busquets, and Jordi Ebba - all making their debuts. In the 16th minute of the match, Mez had his moment to shine, taking a free kick from about 30 yards away, the ball was about to fly into the goal, but was accidentally parried out by the opposing goalkeeper. In the 39th minute of the first half, Mace again played a key role in creating a scoring opportunity for Robataille, who scored the winning goal for InterMiami with a pinpoint pass.
The match resumed with Inter Myamy still dominating the field. In the 83rd minute, the team scored again, and this time it was Mace who started to carry the ball near the center circle, and went all the way to the edge of the penalty area, and skillfully passed the ball to Suarez, who passed the ball to the better-positioned Diego Mace, and the 20-year old youngster easily scored into an empty net, making the score 2-0. It can be said that both of Inmates' goals couldn't have been achieved without Mace's planning.
