Reus's brace isn't enough - Messi's warning words

At least the equalizer: Marco Reus scores a free kick to make it 2-2 against Los Angeles FC. Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images

Even a brace from the former international in the city derby against Los Angeles FC was not enough to secure the hoped-for first win of the season, with the final score being 2-2 (1-1) on Monday night.

Reus gave the Galaxy the lead with his first goal of the season at "El Trafico" in Carson (6th minute). After goals from Denis Bouanga (13th minute) and Nathan Ordaz (50th minute) for LAFC, including goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, the 35-year-old salvaged a point with a late free kick (87th minute). Nevertheless, the defending champions remain far behind at the bottom of the MLS standings.

Lionel Messi had a completely underwhelming evening with Inter Miami in their 3-0 defeat to Orlando City. The derby defeat was their fifth in their last seven competitive matches, in which they managed just one win. Inter are now down to sixth in the Eastern Conference.

Messi had only two shots on goal. "Now we'll see if we're truly a team even in difficult times," the Argentine World Cup winner said on Apple TV. "When everything's going well, it's very easy. But now we have to stand closer together than ever."