Soccer fans in San Jose congregated outside Inter Miami’s team hotel this week to catch a glimpse of legendary star Lionel Messi, and the Argentine World Cup champion did not disappoint. Messi waved to fans from his hotel balcony before jumping on a bus for training sessions this week in Northern California.

I t has been one step forward and two steps back for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami as they prepare to face the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday. Despite Messi scoring, they suffer

San Jose’s Colombian forward Cristian Arango is tied with Vancouver’s Brian White for the league lead with eight goals. Former Inter Miami forward Josef Martinez of Venezuela, who joined the Earthquakes this year, has six goals. Argentine midfielder Cristian Espinoza has four goals and an MLS-best seven assists.